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Tiny, round quail of lowland plains, grassy hillsides, and farmland.
NT: Endangered
Indigenous: Chinese Quail, Swamp Quail, Painted Quail, Chestnut-Bellied Quail, Blue-Breasted Quail, Dwarf Quail, Pigmy Quail, Least Quail
At a glance
FamilyPheasants, Grouse, and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatClosed forest, Grassland, Open woodland, Sparse woodland, and Waterbodies
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Richard E. Webster
Range map
Range map
348visible hotspots
2656visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Generally uncommon and often glimpsed only briefly as it flushes from almost underfoot. Male gorgeously attired, with a blue head and breast, deep cinnamon belly, and neat black-and-white throat markings. Female brown with a paler belly and a plain face; compare to the strong white brow of the larger Japanese Quail.
Behavior
Tiny, round quail of lowland plains, grassy hillsides, and farmland. Males give a descending, plaintive whistle, “tew-tew”, and a raspy, snoring call.
Gallery