Turnix suscitator (J.F.Gmelin, 1789)

General Classification

This species is a typical small buttonquail.

Plumage (Upperparts & Underparts)

It has rufous-brown upperparts, and rusty and buff underparts.

Facial & Breast Barring

The chin, throat and breast are covered in close black barring.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are larger and more brightly colored, with solid black coloration on the throat and center of the breast.

Diagnostic Morphological Features

Its blue-grey bill and legs, plus yellowish white eyes, are identifying features; pale buff shoulder patches visible on the wings during flight are also diagnostic.

Toe Morphology Distinction

The absence of a hind toe separates bustards and buttonquails from true quails.

Social Grouping & Habitat

This species lives in pairs in scrub and grassland.

Vocalizations

Its calls include a motorcycle-like drr-r-r-r-r-r and a loud hoon-hoon-hoon.

Geographic Range

The species is found throughout India, extending into the Himalayas up to around 2,500 m (8,200 ft) elevation, as well as in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, and most of Southeast Asia.

Subspecies Variation

There are four geographical subspecies that differ slightly in coloration.

Habitat Preferences

It occurs in most habitats except dense forest and desert, and is particularly associated with scrub jungle, light deciduous forest, and farmlands.