Hi Steve,
I have a bit of experience with both of these species when out
in the field. However, anyone with conflicting observations please feel free
to comment.
l have found that one good technique to differentiate between Brown and Stubble
Quail in the field when flushed, is that Brown Quail normally lets off a shape
call(s), while Stubble Quail tends to remain silent. Both species seem to fly
quite low and straight, and typically fly a short distance before landing again
in suitable cover. You can often walk in the direction where the bird was
observed landing and potentially have another opportunity to identify the
species.
Brown Quail are generally a darker bird than the stubble Quail, and Stubble
Quail often have distinctive white streaks and the head is characterised by a
long white eyebrow stripe which can may be seen when they are flushed.
Both species are about the same size (~18 cm long) Brown Quail seem to prefer
low lying areas supporting swampy heath or grassland, while Stubble Quail seems
to be more adapted to modified grasslands e.g. crop stubble (Hence the name).
In the past l have only heard Brown Quail calling continuously (two-three high
pitch descending notes) from sites on either sunrise and sunset.
Cheers
___________________________________
Aaron Organ
Zoologist
mobile: 0429 792 906
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Consultants
322 Bay Street (PO Box 489)
Port Melbourne, Vic 3207
ph: (03) 9646 9499
fax: (03) 9646 9242
___________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, 27 April 2004 10:48 AM
To:
Subject: Quail queries
G'day all
I've just flushed about 8 Quail from a paddock south of Hamilton. They
were Stubble or Brown Quail in size but too quick for me to ID. No calling
as they took off but they flew straight and low into adjacent paddocks.
Normally we get Stubble Quail calling everywhere over summer. Do they
stick around but not call through the rest of the year - or do they migrate
elsewhere?
Do Brown and Stubble Quail have different flight charactersitics that help
ID them? What is the call of Brown Quail and do they call throughout the
year?
I'm at work with no ID books so would appreciate any tips in identifying
these species.
Four Blue-winged Parrots flushed from the same area - but at least they had
the decency to sit on a fence to give me a decent look.
Cheers
Steve Clark
Hamilton, Vic
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