About Turnix varius (Latham, 1801)
Scientific Naming & Size
The painted buttonquail, with the scientific name Turnix varius (Latham, 1801), measures about 19 to 20 cm (7.5 to 7.9 in) in length.
Habitat
This is a ground-dwelling species that inhabits grassy forests and woodlands.
Diet
It feeds on insects and seeds.
Reproduction
Males incubate the eggs for a fortnight, then care for the hatchlings.
Female Coloration
Females are more brightly colored than males: females have red eyes, with white flecks on their crown, face and breast, and chestnut shoulders marked by thin white streaking just above.
Male Traits
Males are slightly smaller and duller in coloration.
Native Range
This species is native to Australia.
Mainland Distribution
Its range extends south from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia to Tasmania, with a separate isolated population in southwestern Western Australia.
Island Subspecies
The subspecies Turnix varius scintillans is endemic to the Houtman Abrolhos islands off Australia's west coast.
Rottnest Island Colonization
The painted buttonquail became established on Rottnest Island around 2002.
