bobwhite
1. Bird Name
English Name: Bobwhite
Scientific Name: Colinus virginianus
2. Appearance
The Bobwhite is a medium-sized, quail-like bird that possesses a rounded body. The bird is characterized by a mixed-coloration, comprising primarily of tans, browns, and grays. It is noted for a distinctive black-and-white marking on the face. The male bobwhite has a white throat and eye stripe contrasted by a dark, rich brown body, while females and younger bobwhites sport a similar pattern but in a lighter hue. The beak is relatively small, matching the color of the bird’s light underside. The eyes are dark and full.
3. Size
On average, bobwhites typically measure around 24-28 cm (9.4-11 inches) in length. Wing size varies but is typically within the range of 10-12 cm (3.9-4.7 inches). Their weight usually hovers around 110-200 grams (3.9-7.1 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
The bobwhite’s habitat spans extensively across the southeastern United States extending as far north as the Great Lakes and as far west as eastern New Mexico. They have also been introduced into sections of the Pacific Northwest. The bobwhite prefers habitats that include desert grasslands, open pinewoods, and agricultural fields, often seen frequenting the ground floor due to their ground-nesting behavior.
5. Interesting Facts
Bobwhites are named after their distinctive call which sounds much like a whistled “bob-white.” Unlike other bird species that migrate, bobwhites are non-migratory. The bobwhite is also an essential component in predator and prey interactions due to their position in the middle of the food chain. They serve as a resourceful food source to predators while at the same time consuming invertebrates and seeds.
6. Diet
The diet of a bobwhite consists mainly of seeds from various grasses, weeds, and agricultural crops. They also eat small invertebrates such as insects and spiders, particularly during breeding season when protein demand is high.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Bobwhites have a well-known, whistle-like call that sounds like a clear and repetitive “bob-white”, which is usually sung by males. The bird is also known for its communal nesting behavior; multiple females often lay their eggs in a communal nest, which is then incubated by both sexes. The bobwhite is a ground-dwelling bird and prefers running to flying.
8. Conservation Status
The bobwhite is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to the rapid decline in its population caused by loss of habitat from intensive farming and rampant pesticide use.
9. Lifespan
The typical lifespan of a bobwhite is fairly short, usually around two years in the wild. However, in captivity, they have been known to live up to six years.
10. Additional Notes
Bobwhites are also known as the Virginia quail or the Northern bobwhite. They are integral to the ecosystems they inhabit with their feeding habits controlling insect populations and aiding in the spread of plant seeds. They also contribute to local economies as a popular game bird.
