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New World Quails or Odontophoridae are small birds that are only somewhat related to the Old World Quails but they are named similarly for the llike appearance and habits. These birds are heavy-bodied but small ground-feeding domestic or game birds.
NPS/Intern Tristan Thomas Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)• Northern Bobwhites are highly social birds and are usually found in groups called coveys with about 3-20 other birds.• At night, Bobwhite coveys sleep on the ground (sometimes in plant material) in a closely grouped outward facing circle, tails pointed towards the center. This probably helps the birds conserve heat at night and stay alert. • Northern Bobwhites mainly love to eat seeds and leaves but will also eat a variety of insects during breeding season • Since the Northern Bobwhite is considered a game bird, they are one of the most intensively studied bird species in the world. Identification Information• Size: Between a robin and crow (Medium)• Color: Northern Bobwhites have very complex brown, red, and black patterning. Males have bold black and white stripes on their head. Females have a tan throat and eyebrow.
All of the above information is an abbreviated version of information gathered from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Please visit their website for more in-depth bird information.
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Last updated: September 16, 2019