Distribution Map
Painted Buttonquail
Turnix varius
NativeStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Painted Buttonquail *(Turnix varius)* is one of Australia's most beautifully patterned ground birds. These plump, secretive birds are widespread across inland and coastal eastern Australia, Tasmania, and parts of southwestern Western Australia.
Fun Facts
They create their circular feeding "platelets" by spinning on one foot while scraping with the other.
1. The telltale circular "platelets" they create in leaf litter while foraging.
2. Dark red eyes (breeding season) with a pale eyebrow stripe.
3. Listen for their soft, repeated "boom" call, similar to a Common Bronzewing.
Look for Painted Buttonquails on the ground in forests and woodlands with closed canopies and abundant leaf litter, from Queensland's Atherton Tableland around the coast to South Australia and in southwestern Western Australia. They're most active during early morning, evening, and night. Search for their distinctive circular feeding scrapes (about 15 centimeters across) in undisturbed leaf litter. They typically move in pairs or small family groups, freezing when spotted rather than flying. Focus your search in areas with deep leaf litter, especially after light rain when feeding activity increases.
Physical Attributes
Height
20 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds40%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.