Northern bobwhite

A small quail-like gamebird found mainly where released in Quebec.

About this label

These birds generally do not form established wild populations in Quebec. Hunting opportunities mainly involve captive-raised birds released for hunting, dog training, or competition activities. Regular season, licence, zone, and gear rules still apply.

Official Quebec source

Field guide

A small quail-like gamebird found mainly where released in Quebec.

Identification

Shared features

Compact, rounded bird with a short tail; males show a bold white throat and eyebrow.

Male

The adult male has a white eyebrow and throat framed by dark bands, a chestnut body and a short tail.

Female

The female has buff, rather than white, eyebrow and throat markings. Juveniles are duller, so compare the full face pattern before sexing.

Habitat

Grassy fields, brushy borders and open woodland near release sites.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, listen from field borders and look for feeding coveys.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, birds often stay in grass or brushy shade.

Evening

At dusk, check grassy openings as coveys move to feed.

Sounds

A clear two-note whistle often rendered 'bob-WHITE'.

Recorded calls

Northern bobwhite

Field recording of a northern bobwhite. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

smokeybear33 · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source