Having shot both for nigh on to 54 years I think a dove is easier to bring down than a quail bird. It's been my experience that it is also easier to recover a downed/but/not/dead dove than a quail. Quail will run and hide, when wounded, more so than a dove. Good point you're making, tho'. Quail are "tough little frail" birds, but just so admirable!

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.