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 sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
74358approx 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
Typically found in swampy areas with long grass. Distinctive 2-note whistle often reveals its presence.
Behavior
Typically found in swampy areas with long grass.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Tasmania
New South Wales
Western Australia
Northern Territory
South Australia
Victoria
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Stubble QuailCoturnix pectoralisNote bold pale eyebrow. Male has orange throat contrasting with blackish breast. Typically found in drier grasslands.→Blue-breasted QuailSynoicus chinensisGenerally 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.→