The Northern Bobwhite, sometimes called Bobwhite Quail, occur throughout Florida in appropriate habitat. It is one of the signature species of upland long leaf pine forests.
Named for its loud ‘Bob White’ call, this quail is a small chunky bird with short rounded wings. Males have a black cap, white throat and chin, and a white stripe through and above the eye to the back of the head. Females have a tan colored throat and no black neck collar.
Bobwhites are commonly seen in groups known as coveys. Coveys usually consist of about 10-30 birds, depending on the time of year. Bobwhites are active during the day; they feed on seeds, fruit, insects and green plants. Every night, for safety, the covey forms a circle with their heads facing outwards, away from each other and their tails together. If a predator startles them, the covey flushes in all directions.
I found this lone male perched on a fence post along Joe Overstreet Road. Osceola, County, Florida.
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