Quail-plover
NameQuail-plover
Common NameQuail-plover
Scientific NameOrtyxelos meiffrenii
FamilyTurnicidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are mottled brown and buff with dark streaks, providing excellent camouflage against dry ground and grasses. Underparts are whitish, often with a rufous or buff wash on the flanks and breast. The head features a pale supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, and a pale throat.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, low 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or a series of soft cooing notes. It may also emit a high-pitched 'tseet' alarm call when disturbed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Sudan and Ethiopia, and south into parts of Kenya and Tanzania.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, quail-like appearance, cryptic brown and buff plumage, pale supercilium and dark eye-stripe, short tail, long legs
Description
This very small, quail-like bird is highly camouflaged, blending seamlessly into its dry grassland and savanna habitats. It is characterized by its cryptic brown and buff plumage, short tail, and relatively long legs, which it uses to move quickly through sparse vegetation while foraging.
