_Colinus virginianus virginianus. Case 1. Figs. 1, 2_
The black and white markings of the male are
respectively buff and brown in the female. In
flight the Bob-white, or Quail, suggests a
Meadowlark, but the tail is without white
feathers. L. 10.
_Range._ Eastern United States north to Minnesota
and Maine south to the Gulf. A Permanent Resident.
Severe winters and much shooting have made it rare
in the more northern parts of its range.
Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R.
Cambridge, P.R. N. Ohio, not common P.R. Glen
Ellyn, rare P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.
Except when nesting Bob-whites live in flocks or "coveys" usually
composed of the members of one family. Their song, heard in spring and
summer, is the clear, ringing two- or three-noted whistle which gives
them their common name. Their fall and winter notes, which sportsmen
term "scatter calls" are signals by which the members of a flock keep
within speaking distance of one another. "_Where_ are you?" "_Where_ are
you?" they seem to say. As with other protectively colored,
ground-inhabiting birds, Bob-whites do not take wing until one almost
steps upon them. Then, like a bursting bomb, the covey seems to explode,
its brown pieces flying in every direction. The nest is on the ground
and the 10-18 white, pear-shaped eggs are laid in May or June.
The Florida Bob-white (_C. v. floridanus_, Case 3, Figs. 1, 2), a
smaller darker race is resident in Florida, except in the northern part
of the state. It begins to nest in April.