Also known as: Bobwhite quail
This quail is streaked or mottled reddish-brown and white with a gray tail. Males have a dark brown cap and face with a white eyestripe and throat, while females have buffy yellowish brown replacing the white. The distinctive "bob-WHITE!" call is frequently mimicked by other bird species.
Habitat & Range
Northern bobwhites inhabit grasslands, shrubby pastures, and some agricultural landscapes. They require a mix of grassy areas with shrubby cover, open herbaceous cover with bare ground, and green vegetation with forbs and legumes.
Life History
Bobwhites live in coveys of 5โ30 birds from autumn through early spring. Eggs are laid about one per day and hatch after 23 days, with young leaving the nest roughly a day after hatching; up to 3 clutches may be produced by October. In fall and winter they mainly eat seeds, while in spring and summer they feed primarily on insects.
Status, Trends & Threats
Populations have steadily declined in recent decades primarily due to habitat loss and land use changes. They remain fairly common permanent residents in appropriate habitats statewide, and areas with targeted habitat management have seen stable population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quail hunting season in Missouri?
Northern bobwhite (quail) hunting season in Missouri typically runs from early November through mid-January. Exact dates are set annually by the Missouri Conservation Commission and vary by zone.
What is the bag limit for bobwhite quail in Missouri?
The daily bag limit for northern bobwhite in Missouri is typically 8 birds, with a possession limit of 16. Hunters should verify current limits in the Missouri Small Game Hunting Regulations.
What is the best habitat for quail hunting in Missouri?
Bobwhites thrive in grasslands, shrubby pastures, and agricultural landscapes with a mix of grassy areas, shrubby cover, and bare ground. Areas enrolled in conservation programs with targeted habitat management provide the best hunting opportunities.
