quail

Any of several genera of small ground-dwelling birds of the family Phasianidae, which also includes grouse, pheasants, bobwhites, and prairie chickens. Species are found in Africa, India, Australia, North America, and Europe.

Species
The common or European quail Coturnix coturnix is about 18 cm/7 in long, reddish-brown, with a white throat with a black patch at the bottom, and a yellowish belly. It is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and has been introduced to North America. The nest is a small hollow in the ground, and in it are laid about ten yellowish-white eggs blotched with brown. The bird feeds upon grain seeds and insects.