Old World quail are placed in the family Phasianidae, and New World quail are placed in the family Odontophoridae. The species of buttonquail are named for their superficial resemblance to quail, and form the family Turnicidae in the order Charadriiformes. The king quail, an Old World quail, often is sold in the pet trade, and within this trade is commonly, though mistakenly, referred to as a “button quail”. Many of the common larger species are farm-raised for table food or egg consumption, and are hunted on game farms or in the wild, where they may be released to supplement the wild population, or extend into areas outside their natural range. In 2007, 40 million quail were produced in the U.S.
Quail prefer open country and brushy borders. In spring the hen lays about 12 roundish eggs, which the male may help incubate. The young remain with their parents the first summer. Quail eat mainly seeds and berries but also take leaves, roots, and some insects. Their flesh is considered a delicacy, as are their eggs.
New World quail have stronger bills than do the Old World forms, and none has leg spurs. The bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) of North America exists in about 20 races from southern Canada to Guatemala. Its name is suggestive of its call. Other than the bobwhite, North American quail include two important game birds introduced widely elsewhere: the California, or valley, quail (Callipepla californica) and Gambel’s, or desert, quail (Lophortyx gambelii). Both species have a head plume (larger in males) curling forward.
The pharmacopuses of quail eggs and meat are known since ancient times. There are more possibilities for quailing in Kerala. It is not easy for women self-help groups and individuals to implement this work that is easy to implement. Those who do not have access to space can also grow quails in houses.
