Bobwhites are common in the central and eastern United States where they are found in farmlands, fields, and open woodlands. Their name is taken from the call of the male.

Males, like the one in the photo, have white chins and stripes over the eye, while the females have buff chins and eyebrows. Growing up to about 11 inches, bobwhites feed on insects, soft plant parts, and seeds and grains.

In May, they build their leaf and grass lined nests in a slight depression in the ground; the female lays up to 15 bright white eggs that hatch in a little over three weeks. The fledglings follow their parents about and learn which foods are safe. At night, the family sleeps in a circle on the ground, heads pointed outward to detect enemies.

After the breeding season, bobwhites form conveys of up to about 24 birds from one or two families who will protect their breeding areas from other conveys.

Bobwhites nest on Assateague and are abundant year-round.

Northern Bobwhite Call (.wav format)
(Sound source: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of the Interior)