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Groups of bobwhite quail at 1 1 2 , 3, 6, 9 and 14 weeks were tested in the four taste modalities: sweet, sour, salt and bitter. Drinkers of contrasted colours were used for the test solution and for tap water to give an extra visual stimulus to aid discrimination. The same pattern of response was found in all five age groups; aversion to a solution of sucrose octa-acetate and to a 2 per cent solution of sodium chloride, preference for a 10 per cent solution of glucose and for a 0·05 per cent solution of hydrochloric acid. Age had no effect on this pattern of response; the groups as a whole showed like discrimination at all ages. Colour, though without significant effect at 1 1 2 weeks, affected results with older groups, as some subjects appeared averse to red. This aversion could be corrected by the stronger aversion to the salt solution, and, in the tests following that with salt, most of these subjects conformed to the preferences of the majority.