Little Buttonquail
NameLittle Buttonquail
Common NameLittle Buttonquail
Scientific NameTurnix velox
FamilyTurnicidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown to sandy-brown, heavily streaked and mottled with black and buff, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are paler, buffy-white, often with a rufous wash on the flanks. The head is plain brown with a distinctive pale eye-ring and a pale, bluish-grey bill.
Vocalization / CallThe female's call is a deep, booming 'oom-oom-oom' or 'coo-oo-oo' often repeated, which is used to attract males. Males typically have softer clucking or purring calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Australia, the Little Buttonquail is found across most of the mainland, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, including spinifex grasslands, open woodlands, and savannas. It avoids dense forests and extreme deserts.
Identifying Featuressmall size, quail-like appearance, cryptic brown plumage, pale eye-ring, pale bluish-grey bill, ground-dwelling
Description
The Little Buttonquail is a small, quail-like bird with cryptic brown and buff plumage, perfectly camouflaged for its ground-dwelling lifestyle. It is typically shy and relies on its coloration to blend into its grassy and open woodland habitats across Australia.
