192 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
Notes. — Usually singly or in pairs, frequenting open country gener- 
ally. It is common everywhere, even in the public parks of our cities. 
Frequently, when flushed, it rises with a graceful undulating flight, utter- 
ing with each upward movement its warbling notes, then suddenly it drops 
to the ground. It rarely flies for any great distance, generally relying on 
short flights, or running to keep out of one’s way. Food : chiefly insects ; 
also seeds. 
Nest. — A rather deep, cup-shaped structure, composed of dried 
grasses, and built in a hollow in the ground. It is generally placed near or 
under a tuft of grass, and sometimes near a bush or stone. 
Eggs . — Three or four, greyish-white, finely spotted and freckled all 
over, but chiefly at the larger end, with pale umber and dull slaty-grey 
markings. Breeding-season : August to January. 
12. Chestnut-backed Quail Turnix castanota Gould 
Tur-nix — L., turnix, quail : cas-ta-not'-a — Gk, castanon , chestnut ; Gk, 
noton , back. 
Distribution. — From Kimberley (north-western Australia) to Arn- 
hem Land (Northern Territory). 
Notes. — Usually in coveys of from fifteen to thirty in number, 
frequenting the sandstone country. When disturbed, these birds seldom 
rise together, but run along the ground; it is only when very closely 
pressed that they will take wing, and then they merely fly a short distance. 
While running on the ground their heads are thrown up as high as their 
necks will permit, and as their bodies are carried very erect, a waddling 
motion is given to their gait, which is very amusing. Food: mainly seeds. 
The female is much larger than the male. 
Nest . — A depression beneath a tussock or in a clump of grass, especi- 
ally in the neighbourhood of water. 
Eggs. — Usually four, greenish-white; some are boldly speckled with 
very dark brown, or almost black, markings, especially on the larger end, 
while others have much smaller faint spots of purplish-brown. Breeding- 
season : January. 
13. Buff-breasted Quail Turnix olivet Robinson 
olivei — E. Olive, collector, Cooktown, Queensland. 
Distribution. — Northern Queensland (Cape York Peninsula). 
Notes . — Usually in pairs or small coveys, inhabiting the rank grass- 
lands in open forest country. Little is known of its habits, except that it 
is remarkably shy and difficult to flush. Food: seeds; a large quantity of 
fine gravel is swallowed to aid digestion. The female is much larger 
than the male. 
Nest. — An ovate structure with an entrance at the side, composed of 
soft, dry, narrow blades of long fine grass; placed in a shallow depression 
in the ground. 
