Painted Buttonquail

Identification

The painted buttonquail is a small ground-dwelling bird, measuring approximately 19 to 20 cm in length. It belongs to the buttonquail family (Turnicidae), which resembles but is unrelated to the quails of the Phasianidae family. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced in this species: the female is noticeably more brightly coloured than the male, featuring distinctive red eyes and white flecking on the crown, face, and breast. Her chestnut shoulders are marked with thin white streaking above them. The male is slightly smaller and considerably duller in overall coloration, making females the more striking of the two sexes.

Range & habitat

The painted buttonquail is native to Australia, with a distribution extending from Queensland southwards through New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. A separate population exists in the southwestern region of Western Australia. The subspecies Turnix varius scintillans is endemic to the Houtman Abrolhos islands off the west coast of Australia. The species became established on Rottnest Island around 2002, expanding its known range.

This bird favours grassy forests and woodlands as its preferred habitat. While it is said to be common in suitable habitat in some areas, it remains uncommon in others, reflecting the patchiness of appropriate woodland environments across the continent.

Behaviour & diet

The painted buttonquail feeds primarily on insects and seeds found on the ground. An interesting aspect of its breeding biology is that males take the primary role in incubation, sitting on eggs for a fortnight before caring for the young. This pattern of male parental investment is characteristic of buttonquails and sets them apart from many other bird families.

Best time & places to see it

The painted buttonquail is a resident species in Australia, meaning it is present year-round rather than migratory. To locate this bird, focus on grassy forests and woodlands across its range, particularly in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and southwestern Western Australia. The Houtman Abrolhos islands and Rottnest Island offer additional opportunities to encounter the species. Exploring suitable habitat in areas where the bird is reported as common will increase your chances of an encounter.

Photography tips

The small size and ground-dwelling habits of the painted buttonquail present both challenges and opportunities for photographers. The female's vibrant red eyes and contrasting white facial markings on chestnut plumage make her an especially rewarding subject. Early morning when the bird is most active in grassy woodlands will provide the best light and behaviour. The painted buttonquail's tendency to remain on the ground means a lower vantage point will be necessary. Exercise patience and move slowly through suitable habitat to avoid flushing the bird, allowing time to capture its distinctive features and foraging behaviour.