New records of Painted Button-quail Turnix varius in North Queensland suggest a distribution through southern and central Cape York Peninsula

Abstract

The current ornithological literature describes the Painted Button-quail Turnix varius having a distribution in Queensland that reaches its northern limit around Cooktown. North of Cooktown, the species is thought to be replaced by the Buff-breasted Button-quail T. olivii in savanna habitats of Cape York Peninsula. Here we present observations of Painted Button-quail at four locations throughout southern and central Cape York Peninsula, representing a northern range extension of at least ~150 km. Breeding was confirmed at one location. Whether these observations represent a recent northern expansion or a portion of their distribution that has until now been unrealised is uncertain. In addition, we present four skins and a clutch of eggs labelled as Painted Button-quail collected on Cape York Peninsula that have remained absent from current literature, although we argue that one specimen is inaccurate and the others need to be treated cautiously. This northern range extension for the Painted Button-quail has implications for reports of Buff-breasted Button-quail from Cape York Peninsula.

Retaining the ‘art’: Painted Button-quail Turnix varius do make platelets in north-eastern Queensland

“…in all areas of suitable habitat searched south of around Mount Carbine, but only sporadically in sites of suitable habitat north of Mount Carbine (see also Webster et al 2022). At all sites where Painted Button-quail were detected, the presence of platelets was also detected.…”