The Northern Bobwhite, more often than not, can be heard before it is seen. They get their name from the male’s call: “bob-WHITE!” or “bob-bob WHITE!” The Northern Bobwhite, like many in the Quail family, has been hunted as a game bird. This is highly managed in some states in order to decrease their decline. Another reason for the decline of these birds is their sensitivity to the cold; “entire populations may be wiped out by hard freezes.”¹ The conservation status of the Northern Bobwhite is Near Threatened.
Northern Bobwhites are approximately 9-10 inches in length with a wingspan of 14-16 inches. The average weight is 6.3 ounces. Female Northern Bobwhites differ in plumage from the males. Females have a buff stripe over the eye and a buff throat whereas the males have a very distinct white stripe over the eyes and a white throat. Northern Bobwhites are monogamous and solitary but do form family groups in the summer.
Habitats of the Northern Bobwhite include shrub lands, open woodland and forests. Their diet consists of seeds, insects, worms and spiders. The seed diet is diverse, and includes wheat, corn, legumes, soybeans, pine and oak mast and grasses. Northern Bobwhites have one brood per year. Both male and female tend to the young. Soon after hatching, the young leave the nest, taking their first flight at 12-14 days. These beautiful birds can be found in Florida and much of the southeast year round; just listen and then look!
Fun Facts about Northern Bobwhites:
The Northern Bobwhite is the official game bird of Tennessee, Georgia and Washington
There are 22 different subspecies with little variation among the females and dramatic variations among the males.
Florida variation has a black center stripe on top of the head.
¹ Alsop, Fred J III. Birds of Florida. (New York, NY, DK Publishing, Inc. 2002) Pg 129
Article and photo submitted by Georgia Wilson
