I would, of course, want to use a load suitable for quail, such as a 3 dram -1 1/8 oz shot or no more than a 3 dram-1 oz shot load.
Miller, as much as I respect your opinions I cannot understand how you think a 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 oz. load of lead shot is "suitable" to kill a six ounce bird, when the same loads will absolutely kill two and a half pound ducks, with larger shot size for penetration. I well remember what an awesome load 1 1/4 oz. of lead shot was for "big ducks" and how many woodies I killed with that 3 1/4 - 1 1/8 lead load. IMO using anything over 1 oz. for a little quail is just meat damaging, and 7/8 oz. is aplenty 90% of the time. I favor quail above every other meat I have ever eaten, and I don't want them all bloodshot and damaged from excessive loads.
A good shot can hold his own quite well on quail, woodcock and yes, even doves, with a 3/4 to 7/8 oz. load of the appropriate size shot. And, big loads won't make a good shot out of a poor one.
SRH
