buttonquail

Buttonquails are a small family of birds, Turnicidae, that resemble quails but are not closely related. They are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. These birds are tiny, typically measuring between 4 to 6 inches in length. They have a plump body, short tail, and relatively long legs for their size. Their plumage is generally cryptic, with mottled brown and rufous patterns that provide excellent camouflage in their grassy or scrubland habitats.

The most striking difference between buttonquails and true quails is their reproductive behavior. In buttonquails, the females are the more brightly colored and larger sex, and they are also the ones who initiate courtship. The females establish territories and attract males, who then incubate the eggs and raise the young. This polyandrous mating system is quite unusual in the avian world. Buttonquails are primarily ground-dwellers, foraging for seeds, insects, and other invertebrates. They are often shy and difficult to spot, relying on their camouflage and quick movements to avoid predators. Their diet consists of seeds, grains, insects, and other small invertebrates. They are often found in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.