Quail

Quail, name for 2 distinct groups of game birds of the pheasant family. About 45 species of quail exist. Small ground birds of open country, quail are found on every continent except Antarctica. They feed on insects, grain, and shoots and rarely fly, even when disturbed. Quail live in groups called coveys in the fall and winter. The tiny painted quail was carried by Chinese mandarins to warm the hands.