hemipode

Andalusian hemipodeAndalusian hemipode (Turnix sylvatica), painting by John Gould.

hemipode, (Greek: “half foot”), generally any bird of the suborder Turnices (order Gruiformes), which includes the plains wanderer (q.v.; family Pedionomidae), the button quail, and the lark quail (family Turnicidae), but especially Turnix species, such as the Andalusian hemipode, or striped button quail, T. sylvatica (see button quail). With the exception of the collared hemipode, also called plains wanderer, hemipodes lack the hind toe (hallux), having only three toes; hence the name hemipode.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.