Will they visit?: Brown Quails visit home gardens located near large reserves, bushlands, and wetlands
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
‘Brown Quail (C)Glenn Pure 2018 birdlifephotography.org.au’
Brown Quail- (C) Georgina Steytler
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Thick undergrowth and shubbery
Diet: Seeds and invertebrates
Water: Shallow bird baths on the ground
ReWild Benefit: Seed dispersal
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Brown Quails nest on the ground in the shade of dense shrubs and amongst tall grasses. They rely on shrubs and tall grasses for protection for predators. Families are known to venture into densely vegetated gardens bordering large reserves.
If you have Brown Quails in the area then plant tall clumping grasses and dense shrubs to provide additional shelter and protection from predators.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Brown Quails eat seeds and occasionally fruits, nuts and insects. Plant a variety of native grasses next to tall shrubs and trees for a great to provide food, shelter and protection, nesting material and nest sites.
While tempting, it is not recommended to offer backyard wildlife food, including bird seed. A garden with diverse plants and varying habitats will provide adequate food overtime.
Providing sources of water
Brown Quails will drink from shallow water containers located on the ground. They will visit frog ponds which are hazardous to their incredibly small chicks.
If they fall in, a partially submerged rock or log can provide a safe avenue for a bird to leave the water.
ReWild Benefits
Brown Quails help to disperse seeds from native plants across the landscape. Visit BirdLife Australia to learn more about our native birds of prey. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
