RESIDENTS in the eastern suburbs and Perth foothills are asked to be on the lookout for any unusual birds with a distinctive call following a recent report of California quail in Maida Vale.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) received the report from a member of the public about the declared pest species which sparked the surveillance operation.

DPIRD regional biosecurity coordinator Tim Stevens said of the seven birds initially observed and reported, only two were captured.

“We are now asking the community to be more vigilant as the quail will possibly be present in greater numbers after their breeding season and the chicks leave the nest and become more obvious,” Mr Stevens said.

“California quail are prohibited declared pests in Western Australia due to their potential to quickly establish populations in the wild.

“The quails eat seeds and foliage and when in high numbers can damage grape and grain crops and threaten native quail by competing for food and nesting sites.”

Mr Stevens said the last incursion of the bird in WA was in 2016, when the quail was detected on several properties in the Gidgegannup area by vigilant landholders, who quickly reported the finding to DPIRD.

“The department carried out surveillance and subsequently trapped and removed many California quail from various locations within Gidgegannup. By June 2017 a total of 31 quail had been removed.”

Mr Stevens said California quail have a very different appearance to WA native quail.

“This pest species is usually found in groups and prefers to remain on the ground and only fly when necessary,” he said.

“They are a stout, mostly grey bird which are about 27cm in height with a distinctive black teardrop-shaped crest and brownish white speckled belly and wings, with males having a chestnut crown and black throat both edged with white.”

Sightings can be reported at the MyPestGuide Reporter app at www.dpird.wa.gov.au/online-tools/mypestguide/mypestguide-reporter/