Turnix \Tur"nix\, n. [NL., fr. L. coturnix a quail.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of birds belonging to Turnix or
   Hemipodius and allied genera of the family Turnicidae.
   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 Turnicimorphae.
   [1913 Webster]

Quails
   The Israelites were twice relieved in their privation by a
   miraculous supply of quails, (1) in the wilderness of Sin (Ex.
   16:13), and (2) again at Kibroth-hattaavah (q.v.), Num. 11:31.
   God "rained flesh upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as
   the sand of the sea" (Ps. 78:27). The words in Num. 11:31,
   according to the Authorized Version, appear to denote that the
   quails lay one above another to the thickness of two cubits
   above the ground. The Revised Version, however, reads, "about
   two cubits above the face of the earth", i.e., the quails flew
   at this height, and were easily killed or caught by the hand.
   Being thus secured in vast numbers by the people, they "spread
   them all abroad" (11:32) in order to salt and dry them.
   
     These birds (the Coturnix vulgaris of naturalists) are found
   in countless numbers on the shores of the Mediterranean, and
   their annual migration is an event causing great excitement.