Bird guideBrown Quail

More often flushed from almost underfoot than seen, this quail explodes from dense grass cover with whirring wings.

⚠️Not listed
🍃Indigenous: Partridge Quail, Swamp Partridge, Silver Quail, Swamp Quail

At a glance

FamilyPheasants, Grouse, and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatTypically found in swampy areas with long grass.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to February.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

5009visible hotspots
73821visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

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

Distinctive 2-note whistle often reveals its presence.

Behavior

Typically found in swampy areas with long grass.

Regional timing

Queensland
Peak: October to February35,501 records
Western Australia
Peak: May to October5,030 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to March18,708 records
South Australia
Peak: January to February1,130 records
Northern Territory
Peak: May to September3,276 records
Victoria
Peak: October to May7,614 records
Tasmania
Peak: January1,196 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: January1,935 records
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