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New World Quails: Odontophoridae

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Northern Bobwhite Quail (colinus Virginianus): Species AccountGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, NEW WORLD QUAILS AND PEOPLE



NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL (Colinus virginianus): SPECIES ACCOUNT

New World quails are native to North, Central, and South America, though they have been introduced elsewhere.


New World quails occupy a vast array of habitats. Bobwhites live in ranges from grassland to woodland edge while other species prefer the desert. Others are found in mountain, tropical, and subtropical forests. Quail often make their homes on agricultural land.




New World quails scratch for seeds from grasses, trees, and shrubs. Those who live on agricultural land eat leftover grain seeds as well as corn, wheat, peanuts, and black bean crops. Those birds in tropical forests dig for plant roots, and some species feed on bulbs. Chicks eat mostly invertebrates (animals without backbones).

Most species are hunted for sport or food.


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Animal Life ResourceBirds