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The adult female is substantially larger than the male, and has a distinctive, white-spotted black collar.
Critically Endangered
Sensitive species — location data may be restricted
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Plains Wanderer
At a glance
FamilyPlains-wanderer
SizeSmall
RarityUncommon
HabitatGrassland, Herbaceous Graminoids Open Tussock Grasses, Open woodland, and Sparse woodland
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Gregor Smith
Range map
Range map
130visible hotspots
715visible records
3states
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
Unique terrestrial bird, endemic to Australia, where found in sparse native grasslands in parts of central and southern Australia. Resembles a buttonquail but has a more upright posture and a hind-toe. Upperparts reddish-brown with fine black streaking, underparts white with black spots. Adult female has bright red patch on the neck, with a black-and-white collar above it.
Behavior
Extremely secretive and elusive, this species is unlikely to be observed without deliberate search and professional help.
Gallery