Stubble Quail

The Stubble Quail, Coturnix pectoralis, is a native Australian bird, distinguished by its plump body and dark brown plumage adorned with cream-colored stripes. Males typically reach a length of 18.0–18.5 cm, while females are slightly larger. The average weight for males is around 100g and for females, approximately 110g. Both sexes boast a wingspan ranging from 25 to 33 cm.

Identification Tips

Upon being disturbed, the Stubble Quail can be recognized by the loud whirring noise produced by its wings during the abrupt take-off. This sound is a key characteristic for birdwatchers to note when identifying the species in the field.

Habitat

The Stubble Quail favors tall grasslands composed of native or introduced grasses and crops. They thrive in dense vegetation, which provides essential cover. Their habitats can range from dry regions to alpine grasslands, with a preference for high rainfall areas in southeastern and western Australia.

Distribution

Widespread across the Australian mainland, the Stubble Quail is found in all states and territories, except for Tasmania, where they became extinct between the 1940s and 1960s.

Behaviour

Breeding pairs may remain together throughout the year, and if separated, they communicate with calls to reunite. The species is nomadic, moving in response to resource availability, and can be observed individually, in pairs, or occasionally in small groups of up to 20 birds.

Song & Calls

Males emit calls at dawn and dusk as part of their territorial display. However, when flushed, the Stubble Quail is typically silent, unlike some other quail species that vocalize an alarm call.

Breeding

The female lays about seven or eight yellow eggs, which she incubates for 18 days. Both parents protect the chicks until they are nearly full-sized, but once the chicks reach six weeks old and are fully feathered, they are encouraged to leave the breeding territory.

Similar Species

The Brown Quail, a darker relative, lacks the white streaks under the body that the Stubble Quail possesses. The Plains-wanderer, though highly endangered and similar in appearance, can be distinguished by its long yellow legs visible in flight. The Little Buttonquail, from a different family, is smaller with rounder wings and often vocalizes when disturbed.

Diet and Feeding

Stubble Quails feed on grain and insects, particularly in agricultural areas post-harvest.

Conservation status

The Stubble Quail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that the species is not currently at risk of extinction.

Evolutionary Adaptations

Adapted to arid conditions, the Stubble Quail has low water requirements, can tolerate saline water, and produces highly concentrated waste. They can survive without drinking water if they have access to green foliage and grain. In hot environments, they may forage at night and exhibit irregular breeding patterns that are more dependent on environmental conditions than day length.