lark quail

The lark quail (Ortyxelos meiffrenii) is a bird found in the arid plains of Africa. It belongs to the button quail family (Turnicidae) but resembles a lark more than a quail, possessing longer wings and being a stronger flier than other button quails. This species is about 13 cm (5 inches) long.1

Quail, in general, are small, short-tailed game birds found in the families Phasianidae and Odontophoridae. They prefer open country and brushy borders, feeding on seeds, berries, leaves, roots, and insects. Their flesh and eggs are considered a delicacy. Button quail, specifically, are small, round-bodied birds found in grasslands of the Old World. They are known for their unique breeding behavior where the female mates with multiple males in a season.21