Any one of numerous species of birds belonging to
Turnix or
Hemipodius and allied genera of the family
Turnicidæ. 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
Turnicimorphæ. [
1913 Webster]