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The common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) belongs to a genus with a small variety of species, inhabiting a huge area, which has given the opportunity to distinguish several subspecies. An important element for the common quail's population diversity, which is relatively poorly studied, is the possibility of inter-species hybridization and intraspecies crossbreeding. The main scientific focus is in the direction of relationship between common and Japanese quail. The analysis of possible other possibilities of interaction between the different species of the genus Coturnix and the separate subspecies gives serious grounds for a far broader consideration of the common quail hybridization issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) inhabits a vast area spread over three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa. Although it is the most thoroughly studied wild representative of the genus Coturnix there are some poorly clarified aspects, mainly concerning its current conservation status, subspecies diversity, and the possibilities for natural hybridization. The purpose of this article is to consolidate, systematize and analyze the available information regarding the state of the global population, taxonomy, and the hybridization of the common quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the controversy over Common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) subspecies diversity, the following subspecies stand out in the scientific literature: C. c. coturnix (Linneaus, 1758), C. c. africana (Temminck & Schlegel, 1848), C. c. erlangeri (Zedlitz, 1912), C. c. inopinata (Hartert, 1917), and C. c. conturbans (Hartert, 1917). This systematics is based on the area of distribution and insignificant external differences, which is criticized for the migratory behavior of the species and the opportunities for interspecies contact in the common areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]