Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is in the New World Quails family (Odontophoridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 9,124 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): G4G5.

When to photograph Northern Bobwhite: observations by month (U.S.)

About Northern Bobwhite

The northern bobwhite, Virginia quail or (in its home range) bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is a ground-dwelling bird native to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is a member of the group of species known as New World quails (Odontophoridae). They were initially placed with the Old World quails in the pheasant family (Phasianidae), but are not particularly closely related. The name "bobwhite" derives from its characteristic whistling call. Despite its secretive nature, the...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Northern Bobwhite by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World Quails)

California QuailCallipepla californica

Gambel's QuailCallipepla gambelii

Scaled QuailCallipepla squamata

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ