The Yucatan bobwhite or black-throated bobwhite is a species of bird in the family Odontophoridae. It is found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, coastal mangroves and heavily degraded former forest. A specific example of occurrence is the Petenes mangroves of the Yucatan.
Region
Yucatán Peninsula and northern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico south through Belize, northern Guatemala, Honduras, and into Nicaragua. Prefers lowland scrub, seasonally flooded savannas, open pine or thorn forest edges, and coastal mangrove margins. Often uses secondary growth, fallow fields, and lightly grazed pastures. It stays near dense ground cover for concealment and forages in open patches nearby.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the black-throated bobwhite, this quail forms tight coveys that flush explosively when disturbed. Males are distinctive with a black throat and contrasting facial pattern, while females are more buff and cryptic. It adapts well to scrubby edges, seasonally wet grasslands, and even degraded habitats near agriculture. Its clear, whistled calls carry far at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms small coveys outside the breeding season, keeping close contact with soft calls. Nests are shallow ground scrapes hidden beneath dense grass or shrubs. Pairs form in the breeding season, and both adults remain close to cover, leading chicks to foraging areas soon after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, whistled notes often in simple series, carrying well at dawn and dusk. Calls include sharp contact peeps within coveys and louder territorial whistles by males.
