Least Concern Birds

Common Buttonquail

Turnix sylvaticus

Common Buttonquail, an omnivorous bird of dry grasslands and savanna edges.

Scientific name	Turnix sylvaticus
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Turnicidae
Size	Male: approximately 30-40 grams; Female: approximately 30-40 grams

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How to identify

Small-sized bird, body length about 12-14 cm; plumage mainly brown and gray with fine spots and stripes; head with a distinct pale superciliary stripe; legs short and sturdy, adapted for rapid running on the ground; flight is short with brief wingbeats and limited flight distance.

Habitat

Dry open grasslands, sparsely wooded savannas, and edges of shrublands.

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during early morning and late evening.

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, but rare in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

How to spot it

Wait quietly at edges of open grasslands at dawn or dusk, watching for small birds moving quickly on the ground; use binoculars to aid observation.

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture ground activity; low-angle shots better showcase body shape and habitat; soft morning light conditions are best for photography.