The quail is a popular game bird.
The term “quail” is used to refer to two distinctly different, but related, groups of birds within the order Galliformes. Old World quail belong to the pheasant family, while New World birds belong to the Odontophoridae family. Although the birds may appear similar on the surface, they are actually quite distinct genetically; the reason the name is used to talk about the two groups is because early settlers were not very adept at identifying wildlife and had a tendency to reuse Old World terms rather than come up with more specific names for discoveries from the The new World.
Old World quail are relatively small and fat migratory birds. Most of them are in the genus Coturnix, and have been hunted as game birds for centuries. Due to their small size, quail are time-consuming to prepare, but many consumers find that the preparation is worth it for the delicate flavor of well-prepared meat. As a result, some species are domesticated and kept on farms to ensure a constant supply of meat and eggs, another delicacy.
European quail nest on the ground, despite being able to fly, and the birds feed mainly on seeds. Their name comes from the Latin coacula, imitating the sound of their cry, and they usually have spotted plumage, short tails, and short necks with rounded heads. Like many creatures of the order Galliformes, quail are not known for their searing intelligence, and in captivity they accidentally drown, run into walls, and injure themselves in other strange trips.
New World quail are smaller than their Old World namesakes and are strictly terrestrial. Birds prefer walking and running to flying, only taking flight when they feel they have no other choice. This is a source of amusement for some people who interact with them on a regular basis, as the birds will run faster and faster from a pursuer, shaking their heads frantically, before finally flying off into nearby bushes and trees.
These quail are also hunted as game birds, and many hunters enjoy their meat in season. Because birds are so small, people usually need several to fill, and birds can be cleverly stuffed or presented in other creative ways to make the most of the limited amount of tender, dark meat.