The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Turnix \Tur"nix\, n. [NL., fr. L. coturnix a quail.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of birds belonging to Turnix or
   Hemipodius and allied genera of the family Turnicidae.
   These birds resemble quails and partridges in general
   appearance and in some of their habits, but differ in
   important anatomical characteristics. The hind toe is usually
   lacking. They are found in Asia, Africa, Southern Europe, the
   East Indian Islands, and esp. in Australia and adjacent
   islands, where they are called quails (see Quail, n.,
   3.). See Turnicimorphae.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Turnix
    n 1: type genus of the Turnicidae: button quail [syn: Turnix,
         genus Turnix]