204 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
24. Brown Quail Synoicus australis Latham 
Syn-dlc'-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 
regulated 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 Excalfactoria chinensis Linn6— 26A. Female 
Ex-cal-fac-tof-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, 
