Turnix suscitator
The Barred Buttonquail (*Turnix suscitator*) is a fascinating small, quail-like bird, though it belongs to the family Turnicidae, distinct from true quails. Characterized by its cryptic, rufous-brown plumage, finely barred with black and white, it measures about 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length, with females being notably larger and more brightly colored, weighing 40-70g compared to the male's 30-60g. A distinctive field mark is the female's prominent rufous breast patch and more intense barri...
This adaptable species inhabits a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands, scrubland, cultivated fields, open forests, and plantations, generally favoring areas with dense ground cover. It is typically found from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters (6...
Their diet consists mainly of small insects such as ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented with seeds from grasses and weeds, and occasional young plant shoots. They forage by scratching and pecking the ground.
Barred Buttonquails are highly secretive and primarily terrestrial, spending most of their time foraging on the ground. They are generally crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk, but can be seen throughout the day. Their foraging strategy involves scratching and pecking through leaf litter...
The Barred Buttonquail boasts an extensive distribution across the Oriental zoogeographical region, being resident throughout its vast range. It is found across the Indian Subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Its range extends eastward through Myanmar, Thailand...
Least Concern
- Despite their common name, Barred Buttonquails are not 'true quails' and belong to a separate family (Turnicidae), which is more closely related to cranes and rails. - They exhibit a complete reversal of sexual roles: the female is the more colorful and territorial sex, initiating courtship and...