OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 61 



Genus COTURNIX, or Quails. 



Type, COTUENIX COMMUNIS. 



Coturnix, of Bonnaterre (1790). — The birds comprising the present genus 

 are characterised by their long-pointed wings, the first primary being about equal 

 to the third, and the second generally a trifle the longest ; axillaries long and 

 white. Eectrices extremely short, less than half the length of the wing, and 

 ten or twelve in number. All the species are birds of small size. The meta- 

 tarsus is scutellated in front, reticulated posteriorly, and 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 six species and doubtful races, 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 

 quite 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 polygamous and monogamous. Their 

 flesh is highly esteemed for the table. 



