Fauna
Bird

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

Also known as Virginia Quail, Bobwhite Quail

Northern bobwhites are small, plump ground birds famed for the male clear, rising whistle that gives them their name. During autumn and winter, coveys of up to two dozen birds roost in a tight circle facing outward to share warmth and detect predators. Habitat loss from modern agriculture and fire suppression has driven steep population declines across their range.

Ground-dwellingVocalDeclining
Northern Bobwhite reference1 / 7
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Weed seeds, Acorns
Predators
  • Cooper's Hawk
  • Coyote
  • Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss from intensive farming, fire suppression, pesticide application
HabitatsGrasslands, overgrown fields, brushy fence rows, open pine savannas
Life span2–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderGalliformes
  2. FamilyOdontophoridae
  3. GenusColinus
  4. SpeciesColinus virginianus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a mottled brown, short-tailed quail with a prominent white or buff stripe above the eye.
Support conservation
Keep dogs leashed along field borders and stay on established trails to protect concealed ground nests.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Calls: Scan brushy field edges during early summer mornings when males whistle from fence posts.
  • Watch Field Margins: Approach overgrown fence lines quietly in winter to avoid flushing roosting coveys.
Related species
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