There are 18 species of small ground-dwelling birds found in this family. Buttonquails are found in warm regions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

They are small, quail-like birds that are 5-7 inches in length.

Buttonquail live in scrubby grasslands and open woodlands. They have plump bodies, small heads, and small bills. They have three front toes and no rear toes.

Buttonquails are usually speckled brown and gray in color. Females are usually larger and more boldly colored than males.

Females mate with more than one male. Males incubate the eggs for 12-13 days and care for the chicks for about two weeks.