Odontophoridae

The odontophorids comprise the New World quail, wood partridges, bobwhites, and wood quail. The birds resemble the Old World quail in shape and plumage, but they belong to a different family.

Additional information

The birds are usually found in groups from small family groups to large 'conveys', which are probably made up of multiple families. These groups break up during breeding season, when males and females pair off to nest. The birds typically forage on the ground by digging or scratching the surface in search of insects or seeds, and they have been known to tear leaves or buds from trees or shrubs.

New World quail are generally sedentary. However, some species will move around locally; one example is Northern Bobwhite, which occupies one area during the breeding season and another during the winter.

Males are not thought to defend specific breeding territories, although some have been known to share incubation. The New World quail are generally monogamous, but some polygamy has been reported. Both males and females participate in nest-building, and both provide food for the young.

Taxonomy 

Number of genera: 9

Number of species: 32

A list of all species can be found here.

The Odontophoridae were formerly classified as a subfamily of the Phasianidae, but they are now considered by most authorities to be a distinct family.