Turnix

Tur´nix

n.

1.

(Zool.) 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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Turnix - type genus of the Turnicidae: button quail genus Turnix bird genus - a genus of birds family Turnicidae, Turnicidae - small Old World birds resembling but not related to true quail bustard quail, button quail, button-quail, hemipode - small quail-like terrestrial bird of southern Eurasia and northern Africa that lacks a hind toe; classified with wading birds but inhabits grassy plains ortygan - any of several East Indian birds