
Colinus virginianus
Found in open forests and overgrown fields
Striking brown, red-brown, white and black patterns
Travel in convoys on ground unless flushed
Size & Shape
Bobwhite are small quail with rounded bodies, small heads, rounded wings, and short tails.
Color Pattern
They are intricately patterned in brown, rufous, buff, and black. Males have a bold black-and-white head pattern. Females have a buffy throat and eyebrow.
Behavior
Northern Bobwhites travel in coveys and run across the ground from the shelter of one shrubby patch to another. When they are flushed, they explode into flight with quick wingbeats and then duck into the nearest cover.
Habitat
Northern Bobwhites live in open pine forests, overgrown fields, shrubby areas, and grasslands. They respond well to areas managed with prescribed fire, which helps to maintain an open, grassy ground layer.
Sounds
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