Northern Bobwhite
ExploreBirds
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
The Northern Bobwhite is a small, plump bird known for its cheerful calls. They have a beautiful brown and white pattern on their feathers, which helps them blend into grass and bushes.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Northern Bobwhite is a plump, rounded bird with a short tail. Males have a striking white face with a black crown and throat, contrasting with their speckled reddish-brown plumage. Females have a buffy-colored face instead of white, helping them blend into their surroundings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderGalliformesFamilyOdontophoridaeGenusColinus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Chicks can run and find their own food just hours after hatching from the egg.
Female bobwhites can lay huge clutches, sometimes more than 20 eggs in one nest!
Their iconic call truly sounds like 'bob-WHITE!', giving them their famous name.
These little birds can beat their wings super fast, up to 10-15 times per second!
Special abilities
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Northern Bobwhite has mottled brown and rust plumage that helps them blend perfectly into grasses and leaves, making them almost invisible to predators.
Ability
Explosive Escape
Northern Bobwhite can burst into flight with powerful wingbeats, allowing them to rapidly flee danger from ground level.
Ability
Covey Huddle
Northern Bobwhite can huddle together in a tight circle, sharing body heat and creating an alert lookout formation for safety.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-28 cm
- Wingspan
- 35-40 cm
- Weight
- 0.14-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-6 years
- Top Speed
- 72 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-16
- Incubation
- 22-24 days
Diet & Feeding
These omnivores eat lots of different seeds, berries, and insects they find on the ground!
Age differences: Young chicks consume a higher proportion of insects for protein to aid their rapid growth.
Primary Foods
- seeds
- berries
- grasshoppers
- beetles
- ants
- leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Bobwhite?
20-28 cm
What is Northern Bobwhite's wingspan?
35-40 cm
How much does Northern Bobwhite weigh?
0.14-0.2 kg
How long does Northern Bobwhite live?
1-6 years
How fast can Northern Bobwhite move?
72 km/h
What does Northern Bobwhite eat?
These omnivores eat lots of different seeds, berries, and insects they find on the ground!
Where is Northern Bobwhite usually found?
Grasslands
How does Northern Bobwhite hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
