Scientific Name:   Colinus virginianus

Length:   24 to 28 cm (9.4 to 11.0 in)

Weight:   170 to 173 g (6.0 to 6.1 oz)

Wingspan:   33 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in)

Nest:   The nest site on the ground or in low vegetation, usually within 65 feet of an opening such as a field or road. The pair work together to dig a scrape in the ground, about 6 inches across and 2 inches deep, and line it with grass and other dead vegetation. They often weave weeds and grasses into an arch to completely hide the nest from view.

Eggs:   Usually 12-16. White to pale buff. Incubation is by both sexes, 23-24 days.

Feeding Behavior:   The northern bobwhite's diet consists of plant material and small invertebrates, such as snails, ticks, grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, crickets, and leafhoppers. Plant sources include seeds, wild berries, partridge peas, and cultivated grains. It forages on the ground in open areas with some spots of taller vegetation.

Young:   They leave the nest shortly after hatching; are tended by both parents, but feed themselves. If danger threatens young, parents may put on distraction display. Young can make short flights at 1-2 weeks, not full-grown for several more weeks.

Range:   Its range covers the southeastern quadrant of the United States from the Great Lakes and southern Minnesota east to New York State and southern Massachusetts, and extending west to southern Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado front-range foothills to 7,000 feet, and all but westernmost Texas.

Brief Description:   The bill is short, curved and brown-black in color. Males have a white throat and brow stripe bordered by black. The overall plumage has gray mottling on the wings, white scalloped stripes on the flanks, and black scallops on the whitish underparts. Females are similar but are duller overall and have a buff throat and brow without the black border. Both sexes have pale legs and feet.