Partridge and quail: what is the difference, features and differences of birds, which is better

People often ask: what is the difference between partridge and quail? There are a number of distinctive characteristics that are inherent in each of the birds. Feathers differ in appearance, taste of meat and eggs, productivity. There is also a difference in lifestyle. To determine the differences between these birds, you need to focus on the color of their plumage, weight and size.

What is the difference between a partridge and a quail?

Partridges and quails have certain characteristics. This allows you to distinguish birds from each other.

Features

Partridges belong to the pheasant family and are field and steppe game. Birds mostly live in one area. They are not prone to migration, but are able to change their habitat when there is a shortage of food or a threat to life.

In appearance, the partridge resembles a small chicken, which has a variegated color. It is characterized by strong paws that hold a rounded body. The shade of plumage is different - white, brown, red, brown. At the same time, the birds are characterized by an uneven color, which helps the birds to disguise themselves.

Quails also belong to the pheasant family. They are considered small relatives of chickens. For birds, feathers of an ocher shade are characteristic. The top of the wings, the head, the back and the area above the tail are distinguished by different tones - dark and light.

Differences from other birds

Birds from the pheasant family are similar to each other. They forage on the ground and bathe in the dust.The principle of nesting is also similar. At the same time, partridges are distinguished by brighter feathers. They have gray down on their sternum, and a dark spot on their abdomen. The main difference between wild quails and partridges is that with the advent of winter, the former fly south, while the latter remain.

Both species of birds are accustomed to lead a terrestrial lifestyle. They almost lost the ability to fly. Birds move on the ground and create their nests there. At the same time, partridges are 2-2.5 times larger than quails in size. For males of wild partridges, a weight of 430-450 grams is typical, for females - 400-410. Partridges incubate eggs longer than quails. It takes them 21-25 days to do this, while 17-19 days are enough for quail. In culinary practice, different birds from the pheasant family are used.At the same time, quails are more often grown on farms, and partridges are supplied by hunters.

Weight and dimensions

The size and weight of quails depend on their type. Birds that belong to the meat direction are considered quite large. Their weight reaches 280-300 grams. They are fast growing. It is permissible to eat such quails after 2.5-4 months. The mass of meat-egg breeds is 180-220 grams. Egg quails are distinguished by the smallest weight. It usually does not exceed 160 grams.

Partridges are large and heavy. The body length of these birds reaches 35-38 centimeters. In this case, the weight can be from 400 to 870 grams.

Calories

Quail meat is considered dietary. It has the perfect combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. 100 grams of quail meat contains only 130 kilocalories. At the same time, 254 kilocalories are present in the same amount of partridge meat. Therefore, people who adhere to diets, it is better to give preference to quail meat.

Benefits and harms

Poultry meat brings great he alth benefits. It includes vitamins B, A, H, K. The product also contains many trace elements. It contains magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, potassium. These minerals favorably affect the functions of the heart and blood vessels. They also support the he alth of the brain and nervous system, help strengthen the immune system.

Quail meat has a special component - ovomucoid. It is a protein with a carbohydrate content that eliminates allergy symptoms. Based on this component, many antihistamines are made.

Fowl meat contains almost no cholesterol. Therefore, it is included in the diet of people who suffer from atherosclerosis. Quail meat is used to recover from complex traumatic injuries or long-term illnesses.

At the same time, the low calorie content of quail meat makes it inefficient in terms of replenishing energy reserves.Dishes from it cannot replenish the lack of strength during prolonged exposure to the cold or increased loads. In such situations, it is better to give preference to partridge meat, which is considered more nutritious.

Using Tips

Quail meat is considered a rather peculiar product. Since the birds are light in weight, there is a risk of getting dry and tasteless meat if cooked incorrectly. To avoid this, it is important to follow some rules:

1. Buy only fresh birds. It is better to choose large quails with yellow-pink or creamy skin.
2. Before cooking, it is recommended to remove or singe the feathers. Then rinse the bird thoroughly and dry. Then leave for 1-2 hours. This should be done in a cool place.
3. Cut carcasses. In this case, the neck, legs and wings must be removed. These parts can be used to make broth.
4. To make the meat juicy, it is important to use spices.
5. Before cooking, the meat should be marinated. Also, carcasses can be processed with melted butter.

Partridges are usually sold frozen. Before cooking, it is recommended to gut the carcass. To do this, it is necessary to cut the abdominal cavity, pull out the insides and goiter. To avoid drying out of the meat during cooking, it is worth placing butter under the skin.

Partridge can be baked with vegetables or stuffed with sour apples. This meat goes well with wild berries. For this, it is permissible to use lingonberries, cranberries, cloudberries. Depending on the size and age of the bird, it can take 25-45 minutes to cook.

Which bird is better to choose?

When choosing a bird, you need to focus on your taste preferences and needs. Since the calorie content of meat is different, it is important to consider the need to follow a dietary diet. Overweight people are better off giving preference to quail.

Partridges and quails belong to the same family, but have many differences. The difference lies in appearance, taste, behavior. When choosing birds, you should focus on your personal preferences.

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