The northern bobwhite, also known as the Virginia quail or bobwhite quail, is a ground-dwelling bird native to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, with introduced populations elsewhere in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the group of species known as New World quail (Odontophoridae). They were initially placed with the Old World quail in the pheasant family (Phasianidae), but are not particularly closely related. The name "bobwhite" is an onomatopoeic derivation from its characteristic whistling call. Despite its secretive nature, the northern bobwhite is one of the most familiar quails in eastern North America, because it is frequently the only quail in its range. Habitat degradation has contributed to the northern bobwhite population in eastern North America declining by roughly 85% from 1966 to 2014. This population decline is apparently range-wide and continuing.
Region
Eastern and south-central North America and northern Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern and south-central United States into Mexico and Cuba, with introductions in parts of the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. It favors early-successional mosaics such as weedy fields, grasslands with scattered shrubs, open pine savannas, and agricultural edges. Dense hedgerows and brushy cover near open foraging areas are important. It avoids large tracts of closed-canopy forest and uniform, intensively managed monocultures. Ground nests are placed in clumps of grasses and forbs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Famous for its clear, whistled “bob-WHITE!” call, the northern bobwhite is a hallmark of early‑successional habitats and open pine savannas. It forms tight winter coveys that roost in circles to conserve heat and detect predators. Habitat restoration using prescribed fire, native grasses, and shrubby field edges can rapidly boost local numbers. Despite familiarity, its populations have fallen steeply in many areas due to habitat loss and intensification of agriculture.
Plate 76 of Birds of America by John James Audubon depicting Virginian Partridge.
Egg
Domesticated northern bobwhite
Temperament
secretive but gregarious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with explosive flush
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season they form coveys, often 8–20 birds, roosting in a circle with tails inward. Pair bonds are typically seasonal; both sexes may incubate depending on region. Nests are shallow ground scrapes domed with grasses. Broods often combine into larger groups later in the season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The classic two- or three-note whistle carries far and is rendered as “bob-WHITE!” or “poor-bob-WHITE.” Soft contact calls and sharp alarm notes are used within coveys, especially when flushing.
