Northern Bobwhite – Ross Feldner The distinctive call of the Northern Bobwhite was once a common sound throughout most of America. Sadly their numbers have plummeted over the last 50 years mostly due to the usual culprits, habitat loss and pesticides. It is estimated the number of these members of the quail family have declined by a whopping 85% according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). They are often heard but not seen as they are very shy and tend to stay in dense cover where their plumage gives them great camouflage. Northern Bobwhites feed by “gleaning” along the ground searching for seeds, fruit and leaves. They will also eat spiders and insects. During the night bobwhites gather into tightly packed groups forming a circle with their tails to the center as a lookout strategy, staying alert for predators. These coveys can consist of 3 to 20 members. For nesting they dig a scrape in the ground, line it with grass and other dead vegetation, often weaving weeds and grasses into an arch to completely hide the nest from view. | |
