About Turnix varius (Latham, 1801)
The painted buttonquail, with the scientific name Turnix varius (Latham, 1801), measures about 19 to 20 cm (7.5 to 7.9 in) in length. This is a ground-dwelling species that inhabits grassy forests and woodlands. It feeds on insects and seeds. Males incubate the eggs for a fortnight, then care for the hatchlings. Females are more brightly colored than males: females have red eyes, with white flecks on their crown, face and breast, and chestnut shoulders marked by thin white streaking just above. Males are slightly smaller and duller in coloration. This species is native to Australia. Its range extends south from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia to Tasmania, with a separate isolated population in southwestern Western Australia. The subspecies Turnix varius scintillans is endemic to the Houtman Abrolhos islands off Australia's west coast. The painted buttonquail became established on Rottnest Island around 2002.
