The brown quail was introduced to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, from Australia, around the 1860's.  They now however only survive in the North Island.  

They have a small round dumpy body, the plumage being mottled black and chestnut wavy bars on a brownish grey background.  The eye and bill is dark with yellowish legs. Both sexes are alike.  The call is a plaintive 'ker-wee' with a rising inflexion.

The brown quail is mainly herbivorous favouring the seeds of fallen grasses, weeds and shrubs.  They will supplement this diet with vegetation, flowers and insects. 

Breeding is between September and January, laying 7 - 12 eggs in a ground level nest beneath thick vegetation.  The nest itself is a slight depression lining with grasses.  The female alone incubates for around 21 days, the young chicks leaving the nest when extremely small and vulnerable.

Photography by: Val Smytheman  © (top left) and Simon Fordham © (bottom right)

References: Heather, B.D.; Robertson, H.A. 2000 The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand. Auckland, Viking.