Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Quail in Spanish: How to Say Codorniz Like a Native
Codorniz · noun (feminine) · koh-dor-NEES
Quail in Spanish is codorniz, a feminine noun used for the small, plump bird known for its distinctive call. Whether you're birdwatching in the countryside, reading a recipe, or studying wildlife vocabulary, codorniz is the word you need. The plural is codornices.
Say koh-dor-NEES, stressing the final syllable. The z at the end sounds like an s in Latin America and like a soft th in most of Spain.
Vimos una codorniz escondida entre los arbustos.
We spotted a quail hiding among the bushes.
Quail in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for quail, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| codorniz | quail | koh-dor-NEES | Default, widely understood |
| codorniz común | quail | European quail specifically |
How Native Speakers Use Codorniz
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Seeing quail in nature
Las codornices anidan en los campos de trigo.
Quails nest in the wheat fields.
The plural codornices adds -es because codorniz ends in a consonant.
Ordering quail at a restaurant
De segundo, voy a pedir la codorniz al horno.
For my main course, I'll have the oven-roasted quail.
Codorniz is a traditional dish in Spanish and Mexican cuisine, often roasted or grilled.
Talking about quail eggs
Los huevos de codorniz son más pequeños que los de gallina.
Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs.
Huevos de codorniz is a common phrase; these eggs are popular in appetizers across Latin America and Spain.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Codorniz
Making the plural codornizes
Incorrect: Hay muchas codornizes en esta zona.
Correct: Hay muchas codornices en esta zona.
Words ending in -z change the z to c before adding -es: codorniz becomes codornices, not codornizes.
Using a masculine article
Incorrect: El codorniz salió volando.
Correct: La codorniz salió volando.
Codorniz is feminine regardless of the bird's actual sex. Always use la codorniz.
Lock in Quail Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Codorniz used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using codorniz in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Vimos una codorniz escondida entre los arbustos. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Quail in Spanish
- How do you say quail in Spanish?
- Quail in Spanish is codorniz. It's a feminine noun: la codorniz. The plural is codornices (the z changes to c before -es).
- What is the plural of codorniz?
- The plural is codornices. In Spanish, nouns ending in -z form their plural by changing z to c and adding -es (like pez → peces and lápiz → lápices).
- How do you say quail eggs in Spanish?
- Quail eggs are huevos de codorniz. They're a delicacy in many Spanish-speaking countries and often appear in salads, tapas, and appetizers.