By far the most commonly encountered quail in this area, this highly nomadic species is often first noticed in the Surf Coast and hinterland in late spring, inhabiting tall maturing pastures. Then, its beautiful, long carrying, three part whistle, repeated every five to ten seconds, can be heard towards dusk. It has also been seen on the beach, foraging in seaweed. In summer and autumn it’s often flushed from long grass, cereal crops and their remaining stubbles. Their wings make a powerful whirring sound when flying low for about 50m before dropping back into the cover of vegetation. It can breed quickly in good conditions, hatching six to ten fast- growing chicks from a basic nest hidden in grass.

Size: 18cm