Stubble quail
Scientific name: Coturnix pectoralis
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Small, compact quail with fawn and buff plumage heavily streaked with darker markings. Males have a distinctive black breast patch; females lack this and are more uniformly patterned.
Size and weight
Males 15–18 cm, 80–120 g; females slightly smaller at 75–110 g.
Habitat
Prefers open grasslands, stubble fields, and semi-arid plains with low vegetation cover. Found from sea level to moderate elevations in areas with seasonal rainfall.
Distribution
Endemic to inland eastern Australia, ranging from Queensland through New South Wales to northern Victoria. Inhabits grasslands and agricultural areas with suitable ground cover.
Diet
Primarily seeds from grasses and forbs, supplemented with insects and green plant material during breeding season.
Behaviour
Highly mobile and nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and food availability. Generally solitary or in small coveys; crepuscular activity peaks at dawn and dusk but birds may feed throughout the day.
Hunting tips
Listen for the distinctive three-note call in early morning and late afternoon to locate coveys. Look for scratched-up ground and fine dust baths in bare patches. Approach into wind through taller grass; birds flush suddenly at short range with rapid wingbeats and quick escape flights.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.