Brown quail

Found along scrubby track edges and in rough grass. Listen for a rising 'ker-wee'.

Story

Brought from Australia and released around Auckland, Wellington, Otago and Southland in 1866–80. It now survives only in the northern North Island and on its islands. These releases may have brought diseases that helped wipe out New Zealand's own quail.

Behaviour

A shy, well-camouflaged bird of scrub and rough grass. Family groups called coveys keep in touch with shrill, piercing calls. Brown quail often dust-bathe in sunny open patches at the edge of scrub.