Toxic quail: A cultural‐ecological investigation of coturnism

Archaeological, mythological, and historical evidence reveals a long association between European Migratory Quail (Cotumix cotumix cotumix) and human diet. Despite this evidence cotumix presents a toxic threat to potential consumers in several European and African regions. The authors trace the history of coturnism (poisoning by toxic quail) and examine Sergent's hypothesis that human poisoning by quail is due to cotumix consumption of hemlock (Conium maculatum). Problems in four areas were identified with Sergent's hypothesis: (1) Hemlock seed kills quail, (2) Hemlock produces a sharp appetite depressant effect in quail, (3) Quail are toxic when hemlock seed is not available for consumption, and (4) Cotumix cannot accumulate toxic elements in hemlock seed. The authors suggest that a seed hypothesis remains a possibility, but that candidates must contain lipophyllic toxins. An alternative hypothesis is also advanced, based on human sensitivity to toxic metabolites accumulated by the quail during stress of migration.

Key words:

• coturnism
• food habits
• Mediterranean diet
• cotumix
• food in antiquity
• toxicants occurring naturally in food