204 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
24. Brown Quail Synoicus australis Latham 
Syn-oic-us — Gk, synoicus , living together: australis — southern (Aus- 
tralian). 
Distribution. — Australia generally, and Tasmania; introduced into 
New Zealand ; also occurs in the Molucca Islands, New Guinea, and New 
Britain. 
Notes. — Also called Swamp Quail and Partridge Quail. Usually in 
coveys or flocks, frequenting grass-lands and swampy localities. It is 
nomadic in habits, its movements from one locality to another being regu- 
lated by the supply of food. Food : seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, 
many of the latter being noxious weeds ; also insects and their larvae. It 
has a loud whistle-like note, usually uttered at daybreak and at dusk. 
Nest . — A depression in the ground, lined with dried grasses, and 
placed in the shelter of a tuft of grass or rushes. 
Eggs. — Seven to eleven, dull white or a faint bluish-white, usually 
finely freckled with olive or light brown markings. When the eggs are 
newly laid the markings may be removed by moisture. Breeding-season: 
October to February, and often in March, April, and May. 
25. Swamp Quail Synoicus ypsilophorus Bose 
yps-il-oph'-or-us — bearing the Greek letter upsilon (shape of English Y 
or V). 
Distribution . — South-eastern Australia and Tasmania. 
Notes . — Also called Silver Quail and Tasmanian Quail. Usually in 
coveys or small flocks, frequenting swampy grass-lands. It is local in 
habits and is generally found in the coastal districts. Its call-note is much 
deeper than that of the Brown Quail. Food: seeds of grasses and other 
plants ; also insects of various kinds. 
Nest. — Similar to that of the Brown Quail. 
Eggs. — Six to twelve, yellowish-white, thickly covered with spots of 
greenish-brown. Breeding-season: November to February, or March or 
April. 
26. King Quail Excalf act oria chinensis Linne — 26A. Female 
Ex-cal-fac-tor'-i-a — L., excalfactorius, warming : chinensis — Chinese. 
Distribution . — Northern, eastern, and southern Australia; also occurs 
in India, China, the Philippines, and Sumatra, to New Guinea. 
Notes. — Also called Chestnut-bellied Quail, Least Quail, Dwarf 
Quail, and Swamp Quail. Usually in coveys and small flocks, frequenting 
swampy grass-lands. It is local in habits in New South Wales, and chiefly 
nomadic in southern Australia. It has a mournful call-note, which it 
