Genus COTURNIX or QUAILS. 



Type COTURNIX COMMUNIS. 



Goturnix of Bonnaterre (1790). — The birds comprising the 

 present genus are characterised by their long pointed wings and 

 extremely short rectrices. All of the species are birds of small 

 size. The tarsus is scutellated in front, reticulated posteriorly, 

 and in the majority of species spurless. The bill is short and 

 stout, the upper mandible curved from base to tip ; nostrils basal, 

 and semi-closed by a horny membrane. Three toes in front ; 

 one behind, short and elevated. 



This genus is composed of about twenty species which are 

 confined to the Eastern Hemisphere, being inhabitants of all the 

 great zoological regions with the exception of Arctic latitudes. 

 One species is a partial resident in the British Islands. 



The Quails are ground birds, and dwellers in open country, 

 cultivated districts, grain lands, and plains. They are birds of 

 prolonged and rapid flight, and progress on the ground by 

 running and walking. Their notes are shrill and not exactly 

 unmusical. They subsist on grain, seeds, shoots of herbage, and 

 insects. Their nests are rude structures placed on the ground, 

 and their eggs are numerous and spotted. They are both poly- 

 gamous and monogamous. Their flesh is highly esteemed for 

 the table. 



