Northern Bobwhite

Range and Habitat

Native from the Great Plains through the Midwest, north to Michigan, east to Massachusetts, and south throughout the southeastern United States. Also widely introduced in other areas.

Behavior

Opportunistic granivores, feeding on a wide variety of weed seeds and cultivated grains. During the breeding season, primarily eats seeds, fruits, green vegetation, and hard mast (fruit of forest trees and shrubs, such as acorns and other nuts). Insects are an important source of protein for reproductively active females; chicks also eat insects almost exclusively during the first several weeks of life. Feeds and roosts in coveys of 8 to 18 birds during the nonbreeding season. Male-female pairs are maintained during the breeding season. In Louisiana, nest from early May through September. Nests are located on the ground, where the female (primarily) incubates. Clutch size ranges from 12 to 15 eggs. Eggs hatch from June to August. After 23 days of incubation, chicks hatch and are totally flightless for about two weeks. At about 6 weeks of age, juveniles are fully feathered. At 16 weeks of age, young are considered full grown. Females in high-quality habitat may produce second and third broods in years with good environmental conditions.

Population Status

Species has declined significantly across its range. Ranked as S3 (vulnerable) in Louisiana. Factors contributing to decline include reduced habitat suitability due to changes in agricultural (e.g. larger fields, fewer hedgerows) and forestry (e.g. high-density pine plantations) practices and increased human development.

More Information/References

Small Game Hunting