Button Quail

Button quail is a common avicultural name often applied to very small quail-like birds, especially Chinese painted quail, also called king quail. Adults usually weigh about 1–2 ounces, with females often slightly larger and sometimes more boldly patterned than males depending on species. Colors include brown, gray, blue, silver, cinnamon, white, and pied domestic forms. These birds are small ground dwellers that feed on seeds, greens, and insects and are often kept in aviaries to occupy the ground level. Button quail types originated in Asia, Africa, and Australia, and were introduced into U.S. aviculture during the 20th century.