- Any one of numerous species of birds belonging to Turnix or
Hemipodius and allied genera of the family Turnicidae. These birds
resemble quails and partridges in general appearance and in some of
their habits, but differ in important anatomical characteristics. The
hind toe is usually lacking. They are found in Asia, Africa, Southern
Europe, the East Indian Islands, and esp. in Australia and adjacent
islands, where they are called quails (see Quail, n., 3.). See
Turnicimorphae.
Definition
[ n.]