The Luzon buttonquail or Worcester's buttonquail, is a species of bird in the family Turnicidae. It is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical high-altitude grassland. This is the most mysterious bird of Luzon as there has only been 1 sighting in 2009 of a trapped individual being sold for bushmeat.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to Luzon, where it is associated with upland and montane grasslands, shrubby slopes, and edges of cultivated plots. It uses dense stands of grasses such as cogon and patches of second-growth where it can remain concealed. Occasional records suggest it may also venture into fallow fields and lightly disturbed habitats. The species is highly cryptic and typically detected only when flushed at very close range. Verified modern records are extremely sparse, so its exact distribution within Luzon remains uncertain.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive buttonquail is known only from Luzon, Philippines, and was dramatically confirmed alive when a market bird was photographed in 2009. Like other buttonquails, females are typically more boldly marked and do much of the calling. It prefers dense grasslands and scrub, where it stays hidden and flushes only at close range. Habitat loss and disturbance likely affect it, but its true status remains poorly known.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low explosive flush
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs concealed in dense grass. As in other buttonquails, females may be more vocal and can initiate courtship; nesting is on the ground in a concealed scrape. The species relies on camouflage and will run through cover before flushing at very close range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are poorly documented, but buttonquails often give low booming hoots and soft coos, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls are short, repetitive, and can carry through grassland while the bird remains hidden.
