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The painted buttonquail is a species of buttonquail, the family Turnicidae, which resemble, but are unrelated to, the quails of Phasianidae. This species is resident in Australia where numbers are believed to be in decline. A subspecies, the Abrolhos painted buttonquail, is endemic to the Houtman Abrolhos islands.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The painted buttonquail is about 19 to 20 cm (7.5 to 7.9 in) long. It is a ground-dwelling bird and is found in grassy forests and woodlands. It feeds on insects and seeds, and the males incubate the eggs for a fortnight and then care for the young. The female is the more brightly coloured of the sexes. Her eyes are red, and her crown, face and breast are flecked with white. Her shoulders are chestnut with thin white streaking above them. The male is slightly smaller and duller in colour.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Common ButtonquailTurnix sylvaticusThe common buttonquail resembles the common quail.
Little ButtonquailTurnix veloxThe little buttonquail is a small reddish brown bird with thin white stripes on its upper parts with a blue-grey beak, pink legs and feet, and pale eyes.
Madagascar ButtonquailTurnix nigricollisThe Madagascar buttonquail is a stocky bird with a small head and short legs and tail.
Learn the Painted Buttonquail for real
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