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 larva:. 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. 
to twelve - yellowish-white, thickly covered with spots of 
greenish-brown. 
April. 
leeding-season: November to February, or March 
or 
26. King Quail Excalfactoria chinensis Linne—26A. Female 
x-cal-fac-tor'-i-o—U, excalfactorius, warming: chinensis— Chinese. 
in TnrlL rm* 0 ”' eastern > an d southern Australia; also occurs 
r a, China, the Philippines, and Sumatra, to New Guinea. 
Quail and Swlmn Chestnut-bellied Quail, Least Quail, Dwarf 
swampy grass lands" "p ’ ^' sual, - v ' n ’ c oveys and small flocks, frequenting 
nomadic “ N =» Sou,,, Wab, J chiefly 
a * It has a mournful call-note, which it 
