Bird is the word - The Bobwhite Quial

Northern Bobwhite Quail are also known as Virginia Quail or Bobwhite. They are part of what's referred to as the "New World Quail" species group. They are native to Canada, however are listed as near threatened with a decreasing population. Due to this, keeping or raising them in captivity requires a permit and annual reporting of numbers on property.

They are a ground dwelling bird, they do not use nest boxes or roosting perches like chickens. Rather, they prefer to find denser vegetation to seek protection in for nesting. They are shy and secretive birds that spook easily and take flight. Taming of these birds is not common as they prefer to limit their interaction with us humans. While they can cohabitate with other bird species it would be important to gauge temperament of the individual birds and have them as the only ground dwelling species in an aviary so as not to compete over hides and accessible resources.

There are 20 (yes you read that right!) subspecies of the Northern Bobwhite based on point of origin or colour mutation. We house and raise the following variations;

Northern, Snowflake, Tennessee Red, Silver, Smoke/Charcoal Grey & White (Cotton balls)

All variations are generally the same is size (13-15" wing span) with chunkier rounded bodies. Their beaks are short and have a curved shape to them (typically dark in colour) Their feathers are described as rufous. The visual difference from male to female is most notable in their facial features with the males having a mask. They received their name based on their famous whistle call, which many enjoy listening to in captivity and when out on their walks in areas that have wild birds.

They are considered seasonal breeders with the hens laying roughly 100-150 small solid white eggs annually. They lay eggs in the warmer months of late spring to early summer. Bobwhite typically become mated pairs or trios during the breeding season and males can become territorial over their hens and nesting spaces. Outside of the breeding season they can dwell in larger coveys. 

They eat plant materials, bugs and of course man made crumble feed. They do enjoy foraging as a natural behaviour. They tend to do this is open areas as well as grass areas with slightly taller vegetation. Nutrition wise hens do best of a diet consisting of 23% protein once matured, males can maintain optimal health at a lower rate of only 16%. When feeding a covey it is best to feed based on the hen's requirements.

They can be kept for breeding purposes or the eggs can be consumed. As a smaller species there is not a large meat mass to them so they are not widely relied on for larger portions for consumption. They are however gaining popularity as a protein source for dogs and those with poultry allergies as an alternative. Bobwhite quail are often used for hunting including dog sport hunting activities - however releasing/hunting them is provincially regulated.