Little Buttonquail

The Little Buttonquail, Turnix velox, is a diminutive avian species, exhibiting a reddish-brown plumage adorned with slender white striping across its upper parts. The bird's beak is a striking blue-grey, while its legs and feet are of a delicate pink hue, and its eyes are pale. The female of the species is notably larger and more vividly colored than the male, and when in flight, the bird's reddish or pinkish upper body is quite distinctive, along with the contrasting tones of its wings.

Identification Tips

To identify the Little Buttonquail, look for its small size and the unique reddish-brown coloration with white stripes on its back. The bird's large pale bill and pale eyes are also key features. The female is more brightly colored and larger than the male. Unlike true quails, the Little Buttonquail lacks a hind toe and a crop, and the females have a specialized vocal organ for producing their characteristic calls.

Habitat

This species thrives in grassland environments, favoring the open landscapes where it can forage and nest on the ground.

Distribution

The Little Buttonquail is endemic to Australia, where it is widespread across the mainland, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. It is notably absent from Tasmania, the Kimberleys in Western Australia, Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and the Cape York Peninsula in Northern Queensland.

Behaviour

The Little Buttonquail is known for its ground-dwelling habits, often nesting in sheltered spots beneath shrubs or overhanging grasses. It is polyandrous, with females courting multiple males and defending their territories from other females.

Song & Calls

The species' vocal repertoire includes a loud, booming "oo-ah" or "coo-oo" typically heard at night. When startled, it emits a series of "chip chip-chip" squeaks.

Breeding

Breeding can occur throughout the year, with peaks in spring and autumn. The female initiates courtship and nests on the ground. The male takes on the role of incubating the eggs, which are off-white with dark brown markings, and caring for the chicks until they gain independence at around 3-4 weeks of age.

Diet and Feeding

As an omnivore, the Little Buttonquail's diet consists of seeds, native grasses, insects, and occasionally small frogs.

Conservation Status

The Little Buttonquail is classified as Least Concern due to its large range and widespread population across mainland Australia. However, there is concern that human activities may be impacting certain populations.