Brown Quail

1. Intricately patterned grey-brown plumage, perfectly camouflaged in grassland habitats

2. Short, stout bodies with a tendency to run rather than fly when startled

3. Distinctive, shrill calls that carry through dense vegetation, often heard before seen

Brown Quail breed from spring to summer, creating well-hidden nests on the ground. They form close-knit family groups, with both parents caring for the chicks. These birds are nomadic, moving to find suitable habitat. Introduced predators pose a significant threat, which is why they thrive on predator-free offshore islands.

Look for Brown Quail in the northern parts of the North Island, especially in Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula. They prefer dense grasslands, scrubby areas, and the edges of wetlands. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot them as they forage. Listen for their shrill calls and watch for movement in low vegetation. Tip: Stay still and quiet; they're more likely to emerge if they don't feel threatened.

Known as Tūturuatu in te reo Māori, Shore Plovers once graced coastlines throughout New Zealand. By the 1870s, introduced predators had driven them to the brink of extinction. Their struggle and ongoing recovery efforts symbolize the challenges and hopes of New Zealand's unique wildlife conservation story.