Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

24-28cm (wingspan 33-38cm; 129-173g, with large males reaching 255g)

Diet

Quail crumbles, grain, grass and forb seeds, greens, and insects in the breeding season

Cage

As a ground forager it needs floor area, with low planting or straw bales for cover, and a soft ceiling because a startled bird flushes straight upward. It nests in a scrape lined with dry grass, so provide dry nesting material if breeding.

Temperament

The birds are wary and keep to cover. Breeding peaks from April to June, when cocks hold territory and fight, so split the group into pairs then. Clutches are of 10 to 15 eggs.

Vocalization

The clear whistled bob-WHITE or bob-bob-WHITE rises a full octave from start to finish. The syllables are widely spaced and the call carries, so think about siting in built-up areas.

Notes

The masked bobwhite Colinus virginianus ridgwayi is listed in CITES Appendix I and, as an internationally endangered species, requires a registration certificate. Feral birds descended from releases are recorded in Kanagawa and elsewhere in Japan, so keep the birds secure against escape.

About Northern Bobwhite

A ground-dwelling North American bird measuring 24-28cm, with males and females distinguished by throat and eyebrow-stripe coloring. Best suited to keepers with some prior experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Northern Bobwhite

1. 1Give Them Room to Roam

   Northern Bobwhites are ground-dwelling birds that spend most of their time walking rather than flying. A cramped enclosure can lead to poor conditioning and stress, so provide as much floor space as possible.

2. 2Keep Them Warm

   Chicks and molting birds have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Use a heat source such as a heat lamp and pay close attention during colder months.

3. 3Substrate & Cleanliness

   Because they're constantly on the ground, dirty bedding can affect their health quickly. Clean the enclosure regularly and keep the substrate as dry as possible.

4. 4Bold, Active Personality

   Northern Bobwhites are active and not easily spooked. Once they settle in, they make for an engaging bird to watch day to day.

5. 5Easy to Sex as Adults

   Males show white throat and eyebrow markings outlined in black, while females have the same areas in pale yellow. This makes adult birds relatively easy to sex at a glance.

6. 6A Distinctive Call

   The name "bobwhite" comes from its whistling call. Consider the volume and frequency of their calling when planning where to keep them.

7. 7Plan for Their Size

   Adults measure 24-28cm and typically weigh 129-173g, with larger males reaching up to 255g. Choose an enclosure and equipment sized appropriately for this build.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Bobwhite

Q.Is the Northern Bobwhite suitable for beginners?

A.The Northern Bobwhite is generally considered a good match for keepers with some prior bird-keeping experience. First-time bird owners should research proper care thoroughly before bringing one home.

Q.How big do Northern Bobwhites get?

A.Adults measure 24 to 28cm in length with a wingspan of about 33 to 38cm. They typically weigh 129 to 173g, though larger males can reach up to 255g.

Q.How can I tell males and females apart?

A.Males have white throat and eyebrow stripes outlined in black, while females show the same markings in pale yellow. This color difference makes adults relatively easy to sex.

Q.Is the Northern Bobwhite covered under CITES?

A.The Northern Bobwhite is not covered under CITES.

Q.What is their temperament like?

A.Northern Bobwhites are bold and active, spending much of their time walking around on the ground. Once accustomed to people, they're rewarding birds to observe day to day.

Useful tools for Northern Bobwhite care

Learn more about Northern Bobwhite in the encyclopedia

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