ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Northern Bobwhite Quail

 Northern Bobwhite Quail

Northern bobwhite quail
Upland birds are known for several traits which distinguish them from other birds. They are chicken-like in appearance, and have short, rounded wings, short heavy bills, and heavy bodies. They stay on dry ground and seek cover in brush or woodlands. Typically, these birds do not migrate, but adapt to seasonal changes.

Across the northern edge of their range, numbers of Northern bobwhites are subject to dramatic fluctuations in response to winter weather conditions. Their populations may increase during relatively mild winters while prolonged snow cover and below normal temperatures may decimate quail populations.


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Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus

At-a-Glance

• Mating: Monogamous

• Peak breeding activity: Breeding occurs from February to October, depending on the region

• Clutch size: 12-14 average

• Incubation period: 23 days average

• Typical Foods: seeds, plant matter, and invertebrates

 • Ohio Status: Species of Concern
Description
Bobwhite quail can be identified easily by their distinctive facial markings, consisting of a throat patch and prominent streak above each eye. On males these markings are white; on females they are a buff yellow. Bobwhites are relatively small game birds with mottled brown plumage that is extremely effective camouflage.

Habitat and Habits
The bobwhite is a forest edge species. Before the removal of Ohio's forest land by settlers, quail survived where woodlands and prairies came together, and in areas naturally cleared of timber. Bobwhite numbers soared as settlers cleared land for farming and removed trees for lumber. The male's characteristic song is a cheery, whistled Bob-white! -- often delivered from high in a tree.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Quail begin whistling their distinctive bobwhite call in Ohio as early as March. By late May most adult males have paired with a female and begun nesting. The pair builds a grass-roofed nest in shallow depression on the ground. Grass is the principal nest material...usually early maturing species such as bluegrass and cheat, or residual cover provided by late maturing species from the previous year such as broom sedge. Prime nesting habitat consists of scattered shrubs and briars interspersed with moderately dense stands of herbaceous and grassy vegetation. Dense stands of grass are usually avoided. Quail will often nest along roadsides and in fence rows where perennial grasses and light shrubby cover are found. Nesting in pastures is usually limited to areas protected from grazing.