turniciformes

Turniciformes is an order of birds that encompasses the buttonquails. These are small, quail-like ground birds found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Buttonquails are typically short-tailed and stout-bodied, with cryptic plumage that provides camouflage in their grassland or open woodland habitats. They are primarily insectivorous and granivorous, foraging on the ground for seeds, insects, and other invertebrates. A distinctive characteristic of turniciformes is their unusual breeding system. In most species, the female is the dominant and more brightly colored sex, and she actively courts the male. The female lays a clutch of eggs, which the male then incubates and raises the chicks alone. This role reversal is a significant departure from the typical avian breeding strategy. There are several genera within the order, with the most well-known being Turnix. These birds are generally shy and difficult to observe, often detected by their soft calls rather than visual sightings. Their conservation status varies by species, with some being widespread and others facing threats to their habitat.