Hi Linda & Tweets:

>Why is the Family for New World Quails Odontophoridae, which comes
>from the Greek odontophoros meaning "bearing teeth" ?

According to Sibley's 'Bird Life & Behavior' book, "The family
Odontophoridae, is named for the serrations on the lower beak, a
trait absent among other galliforms. The New World quail also lack
the tarsal spurs found in some phasianids." [p. 242]

Now, I just need to file this one away as a bit of birding trivia to
pull out on some future rainy Marymoor day.....

Best,

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA