Distribution Map
Black-breasted Buttonquail
Turnix melanogaster
EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Black-breasted Buttonquail *(Turnix melanogaster)* is a secretive ground-dwelling bird native to southeastern Queensland's forests. These small but stocky birds are rarely seen but leave traces of their presence.
Fun Facts
Buttonquails don’t have a hind toe, meaning they cannot perch in trees.
1. Females have a black head and breast with fine white spotting.
2. Look for their signature circular feeding scrapes in leaf litter – their most visible calling card.
3. Listen for the female's low, tremulous booming call after rainy periods.
Black-breasted Buttonquails inhabit *scattered patches* of southeastern Queensland’s rainforests, dry forest, and coastal scrub with abundant leaf litter on the ground where they tend to forage. Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities, though they remain active throughout the day. Rather than watching for the birds themselves, which freeze when disturbed, look for their characteristic circular feeding scrapes – small platelets where they've pivoted on one foot while raking leaves with the other. Follow clusters of these platelets to potentially spot these elusive birds.
Physical Attributes
Height
18 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds32%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.