Buttonquails

Buttonquails are a family of small, quail-like birds belonging to the order Charadriiformes. Despite their common name, they are not closely related to the true quails of the family Phasianidae. The family Turnicidae contains two genera, Turnix and Excalfactoria, with around 18 species found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

These birds are typically shy and ground-dwelling, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. They are characterized by their plump bodies, short tails, and relatively long legs. Unlike many bird species, buttonquails exhibit reversed sexual dimorphism, meaning the females are often larger and more brightly colored than the males. Females also typically initiate courtship and compete for mates, while males are responsible for incubating the eggs and raising the young.

Buttonquails are primarily insectivores, feeding on a diet of insects, seeds, and other plant matter. They forage by scratching the ground with their feet and pecking at food items. Their small size and cryptic plumage provide effective camouflage against predators.

The breeding behavior of buttonquails is notable for its polyandrous nature in some species, where a female may mate with multiple males. They build simple nests on the ground, and clutch sizes vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Chicks are precocial, able to move and feed themselves shortly after hatching. Despite their widespread distribution, some buttonquail species face threats from habitat loss and degradation, leading to concerns about their conservation status.