Rock Bush Quail

Overview

The rock bush quail (Perdicula argoondah) is a species of quail native to parts of peninsular India. It is a common species with a wide range and has been rated as being of 'least concern' by the IUCN.

Identification

• Length of 17.0–18.4 cm with a weight of 64–85 g.
• Plumage is some shade of brown, barred and mottled with darker colours.
• The outermost primary feather is longer than the innermost, and the inner web of the primaries is barred or speckled with buff.
• Voice consists of a trill followed by a series of piping notes that start quiet and grow louder.

Habitat

Native to the western half of India, the rock bush quail is believed to be non-migratory. It occurs in arid areas characterised by scrubby grassland and thorny bushes, and is seldom found above about 600 metres.

Did you know?

These birds are found in small coveys and are often detected only when they suddenly burst out into flight en masse from under vegetation.