BROWN QUAIL. 
any subspecies can be recognised. I have, however, admitted three races, 
the largest, Synoicus diemenensis, from Tasmania. The second, Synoicus 
australis, inhabiting that portion of Australia lying south of a line drawn from 
Brisbane to Shark’s Bay ; and the third, Synoicus cervinus, inhabiting the 
remainder of Australia. It is difficult to tell where Synoicus australis and 
Synoicus cervinus meet. 
I have not seen a specimen of Synoicus, collected in Australia, resembling 
the bird figured in Gould’s folio work, Vol. V., PI. 91, which he calls S. sordidus, 
said to have come from South Australia, and the only bird approaching it in 
markings is the New Guinea form. All the birds I have examined from South 
Australia were typical examples of S. australis. I have not seen a specimen 
with red legs. 
The Brown Quail is sought after by the sportsman, both for the pleasure it 
gives to the gunner and for the dainty flavour of its flesh. It is found in 
moist grassy flats and swampy localities. 
It generally goes in coveys of about a dozen or so. In suitable localities, 
one may often flush a bird almost from one’s feet, when it will fly off, and 
settle again a httle way ahead of the intruder. 
Its food consists of seeds, insects, etc., and Mr. Frank Littler tells me 
the crops of several birds examined by him towards the end of the breeding- 
season were full of dock seed and green grass in half-inch lengths. 
Mr. Keartland, writing of this bird from Melbourne, says : — “ During 
the winter months it feeds largely on clover and other vegetable food, which 
adds to the dehcacy of its flesh. The Swamp Quail is local, and can be found 
throughout the year in favourable situations.”* 
Dr. G. Horn of Victoria says that in captivity this bird has a peculiar note, 
which he first mistook for the mewing of a kitten. 
Mr. Frank Littler writes the call is a loud whistle-like note, which may be 
heard for some considerable distance on still mornings. Just before daybreak 
is perhaps the best time to hear it. 
Of the birds figured, the male is from Victoria and the female from 
Long Bay, Sydney. \ 
* Keartland, Birds of the Melbourne District, p. 113 (1900). 
