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Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus ORDER: GALLIFORMES FAMILY: ODONTOPHORIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

Northern Bobwhite Photo

© Tim Gallagher/CLO

A small chicken-like bird of the eastern United States and Mexico, the Northern Bobwhite is an important game bird. It is extensively hunted in some areas. Its loud call announces its name.

Birds of North America Online
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Other Names
  • Colin de Virginie (French)
  • Codorniz cotuf (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • The Northern Bobwhite is divided into 22 different subspecies. Females show little variation among the different forms, but the males can vary dramatically. Some bobwhite from Mexico have little banding across the chest, are uniformly rufous, and have all black heads

Habitat


Grassland
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Food


Plants
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Nesting

Nest Placement

Ground
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Behavior


Ground Forager
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Near Threatened

Declining significantly in most states.

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Credits

  • Brennan, L. A. 1999. Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). In The Birds of North America, No. 397 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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Range Map Help

Northern Bobwhite Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings
Project FeederWatch