Quail are small, stocky game birds that are now mostly raised domestically. In fact, some have lost the nesting instinct so their eggs have to be hatched in incubators. [1]They are many different species in both the old and new worlds.
They eat seeds and insects.
Female quail can start laying eggs at around 60 days of age. Quail eggs take anywhere from 16 to 25 days to hatch, depending on the species, with Bobwhite eggs taking the longest.
See separate entries on the various species.
Cooking Tips
Per person, allow 2 Quails.
Roast for 20 minutes at 400 F (200 C).
Quail eggs are also eaten.
Sources
[1] One exception is the Chinese Painted Quail, which will still nest and hatch their own eggs.