ML622461777

Observation details

In a corner of these fields where the vegetation is high Barred Buttonquail and Rain Quail can frequently be found. Within the past month I have also heard a booming call, which was different, in the same area. This call was noticeably longer than the typical call of a Barred Buttonquail making it appear 'slower' and a slightly higher pitch at the end of each boom. I believed that this was the call of Small Buttonquail but did not know if it could be considered diagnostic (sound recording uploaded). This morning I was riding on my motorbike in that particular area when suddenly a Small Buttonquail walked across the track a few meters in front of me. The bird had an upright stand, no barring on the chest and quite long pink/flesh-coloured legs. I had no doubt about the identification. It all went very fast and I only managed to get a blurry photo before the bird disappeared in the grass. Photo uploaded and I think that it is possible to see the striking colour of the legs and also some chestnut spotting on the folded wing.