Unusual quail at Bream Head
Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2025 3:52 pm
This afternoon I spotted a very small quail at the top of Home Bay on the Smugglers/Busby Head loop (well inside Bream Head Reserve). The quail was in the culvert beside track, it was very quiet and made no attempt to fly off when passed by other walkers. I estimate it was about 50g, less than half the size of a brown quail, but similar shape to a brown.
Notes I made on my phone:
V. small quail, bright orange legs, dark bill and eye. Pale tan and cream back, shading to grey towards belly and lower neck. Rich chestnut-red chest through to vent and under tail. Grey around eye shading to white down neck with dark brown, almost double, chin strap.
I suspect a domestic escapee or release - any comments appreciated. Will attach photos taken from my phone...
Notes I made on my phone:
V. small quail, bright orange legs, dark bill and eye. Pale tan and cream back, shading to grey towards belly and lower neck. Rich chestnut-red chest through to vent and under tail. Grey around eye shading to white down neck with dark brown, almost double, chin strap.
I suspect a domestic escapee or release - any comments appreciated. Will attach photos taken from my phone...