The red-chested buttonquail is a species of bird in the family Turnicidae. It is endemic to Australia. The species is generally regarded as widespread, although uncommon, in New South Wales, Queensland, northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and classified as Vulnerable in Victoria.
Region
Northern and eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across arid and semi-arid grasslands, open savanna, and shrublands with dense ground cover. It also uses pastoral country, fallow croplands, and cereal stubbles when cover is available. Prefers areas with tussock grasses, spinifex, or chenopods that provide concealment and foraging opportunities. Avoids tall closed forests and very open, bare ground. Local abundance can shift after rain when seed and invertebrates are more available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, ground-dwelling buttonquail is endemic to Australia and is more often heard than seen. Females are brighter and polyandrous, advertising to males with a low booming call; males incubate the eggs and rear the chicks. It flushes explosively with short, whirring flights when disturbed, preferring to run and hide in dense grass. Regional conservation status varies, with threats including inappropriate fire regimes and habitat alteration.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; females court and may mate with multiple males. Nests are shallow scrapes hidden under grass tussocks, lined with vegetation. Clutches are small, and the male undertakes most or all incubation (about two weeks) and chick care. Movements can be nomadic locally, tracking food and cover after rainfall.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Females give a deep, resonant booming 'oom-oom' call, often at dawn or dusk, that carries through grasslands. Both sexes also produce soft clucks and rapid whistles at close range. Vocalizations are used for advertisement, spacing, and pair contact within dense cover.
