birding-aus

Red-backed Button-quail

To: "Birding Aus" <>
Subject: Red-backed Button-quail
From: "Robyn H" <>
Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 20:56:37 +1000
Thanks for your response, Chris.

The site is the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary at Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast.

There are not many platelets in the area where I noticed them, but I must admit I did not look further. I did not take notice at first as the crabs which burrow there clear an area around the burrow, and initially, I assumed they were just crab clearances. But they are different, and there is no burrow in the clearing. In fact, it was seeing the platelets which made me realize the calls were the RBBQ and I came home and checked the call on the computer. There could well be many other platelets amongst the Mangrove Ferns which is more where the calls were coming from, but the ground is not visible, and probably too wet for platelets. The two areas are just either side of the boardwalk.

There are Northern Brown Bandicoot in the area and they are very active at present, but they do not leave neat circular traces.

The Swamp Rat also utilises the area and it is not like any of the traces I have ever seen for them.

Fawn-footed Melomys and Yellow-footed Antechinus are in other areas, but there is no reason they would not be here also, and Bush Rats are in another area I am aware of. I think it is too damp for them.

Would be happy to hear further comments.

Thanks kindly

Robyn H

-----Original Message----- From: Chris
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2011 5:36 PM
To: Robyn H
Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Red-backed Button-quail

Hi Robyn,

Where is this reserve? RBBQ have never been observed making platelets, but there is anecdotal evidence they might.

Another possibility for the clearings in the Allocasuarina needles is a small mammal looking for insects. Button-quail tend to make many platelets in a small area, often so close they touch at the edges. Were there lots together or only a few scattered ones?

Cheers,
Chris Sanderson

Sent from my iPhone

On 02/09/2011, at 17:35, "Robyn H" <> wrote:

Does anyone know much about Red-backed Button-quails?

Do they leave platelets?

I suspect there is one (or more) currently at the wetlands in SEQ where I volunteer, and we have sighted them there in the past – probably 8 to 10 years ago – but I am now judging on a few calls and a few platelets. The habitat does not seem suitable to me. It is the landwards side of mangroves where there is Mangrove fern, and the platelets are in an area where there are Allocasuarina needles on the ground, but not grass except for maybe a little arrow grass and some Phragmites australis. It is very near to where they were sighted by at least three people in the past.

Would appreciate any first-hand knowledge.

Thanks kindly

Robyn H


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