Distribution Map
Red-backed Buttonquail
Turnix maculosus
NativeStatus
UncommonRarity
Species Description
The Red-backed Buttonquail *(Turnix maculosus)* is a tiny, secretive ground-dwelling bird found across northern Australia. Its distinctive reddish-brown collar and dark patterned plumage provide excellent camouflage in the grassy wetlands it calls home across Australia's tropical north.
Fun Facts
Despite their name "quail," buttonquails aren't related to true quails but belong to an entirely different bird family.
1. Females have brighter collars and yellow bills than males, becoming duller outside breeding season.
2. The reddish-brown collar and shoulders stand out against darker plumage.
3. When flushed, watch for pale wing patches contrasting with a darker back.
Red-backed Buttonquails inhabit dense, wet grasslands and sedgelands across northern Australia, particularly in areas with summer rainfall. Look for them on the ground in rank vegetation, often near water or in seasonally flooded areas. Dawn and dusk offer the best chances for spotting these secretive birds. They're most common in the Kimberley region and across the tropical north during the wet season. Rather than trying to spot the birds directly, listen for their soft, repeated "oom-oom-oom" calls, which slightly rise in pitch at the end of each note.
Physical Attributes
Height
14 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds16%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.