Presence of penis in the European quail Cotumix c. cotumix

Abstract

The aim o f this paper is to give a description of the penis of the European Quail, Coturnix c. coturnix. This structure, observed in a sample of 100 males captured in the field (Alp, Girona province, Spain) throughout the breeding season of 1991 to 1994, should be classified as phallus no protrudens due to its short length, structure and a remarkable refression suffered in the non-breeding period. The possible function of this organ is bnefly discussed.