madagascar buttonquail Turnix nigricollis

Tiny, complexly patterned quail-like bird. Female has rufous sides, gray underparts, and black facial markings. Male is duller and browner. Found on the ground in a wide variety of habitats, including grassland, scrub, spiny forest, and western deciduous forest. Somewhat shy, though more approachable than quail. The song is a quick, pulsing series of low “hwo” notes. Male is similar to female quail, but smaller, and has weaker and less direct flight when flushed.