How to Identify a Bobwhite Quail

The bobwhite quail, popular among bird hunters due to its prolific numbers and fast flight, lives year-round throughout eastern, southern and central regions of the United States. Whether you desire to identify a bobwhite quail for hunting purposes or other reasons, you can recognize these small birds by their behavior, their call and their appearance. Observe the bobwhite quails in the wild after learning about their appearance and behavior and you should have no trouble identifying them.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird book
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look up the bobwhite quail in a bird book to view a photograph of the quail to help you learn about the physical characteristics of these birds. Alternatively, visit the All About Birds website to view a photograph if you do not have a bird book.

    • 2

      Examine the feathers and markings of the adult bobwhite quail. The feathers are a red-brown color with white and black spots dotting the brown feathers. The bobwhite's tail is gray. Male bobwhites typically have a white and black collar extending from the throat around to the back of the head. Female quails have no black in this area, and instead of a white-colored collar, the collar is cream color.

    • 3

      Note the difference between adult and juvenile bobwhite quails. A juvenile quail is smaller, with markings much like the female quails except less bright in hue.

    • 4

      Notice the size of the adult bobwhite quail. An adult bobwhite quail ranges in length between 8 and 11 inches and weighs approximately 6 oz. Quails have round bodies, short tails, small heads and tiny crests. Their beaks are short and strong enough to enable the quail to peck for seeds in the soil.

    • 5

      Watch the behavior of the quails. Quails typically run quickly along the ground, freezing when they sense danger. When the quails freeze in response to danger, their colors enable them to blend easily into their surroundings.

    • 6

      Listen for the call of the bobwhite quails. The call has three equal parts to it, all clear and short with the third part stressed more than the first two parts.