Barred Buttonquail

Overview

The barred buttonquail (Turnix suscitator) is a small bird belonging to the family Turnicidae, resembling but not closely related to true quails. It is a widespread resident species found across tropical Asia, ranging from India to Indonesia and the Philippines. The species is currently evaluated as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Rufous-brown above with a rusty and buff underside, featuring a chin, throat, and breast closely barred with black.
• Distinctive blue-grey bill and legs, coupled with yellowish-white eyes.
• Pale buff shoulder-patches are visible on the wings when in flight.
• Emits a motorcycle-like 'drr-r-r-r-r-r' call and a loud 'hoon-hoon-hoon'.

Habitat

Found throughout India (up to 2,500 m elevation), Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, and most of Southeast Asia. It inhabits most environments except dense forest and desert, favouring scrub jungle, light deciduous forest, and farmlands.

Did you know?

The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship, fighting with rival females for possession of a male while emitting loud drumming calls. After laying her eggs, she leaves the male to incubate them and tend the young, often moving on to acquire another mate.