Black-throated bobwhite

Scientific name: Colinus nigrogularis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Males display a distinctive black throat patch bordered by white or buff facial markings, with rufous-chestnut upperparts and buff underparts. Females are duller overall with less pronounced facial contrast and a buff or pale throat.

Size and weight

Adults typically weigh 0.13–0.17 kg, with body length of 19–23 cm. Sexual dimorphism is moderate, with males slightly larger.

Habitat

Black-throated bobwhites inhabit open grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural clearings in lowland tropical and subtropical regions, typically from sea level to 1,500 m elevation. They favour areas with scattered shrubs and bare ground interspersed with grass.

Distribution

Found from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela). Populations occupy open grassland and scrub habitats at lower elevations, avoiding dense forest.

Diet

Black-throated bobwhites forage on seeds, insects, and green vegetation, with a strong preference for grass and weed seeds; invertebrate consumption increases during breeding season.

Behaviour

Diurnal ground-feeders that move in small coveys outside breeding season, remaining mostly terrestrial and running rather than flying when disturbed. They are vocal year-round, with males giving distinctive whistled calls.

Hunting tips

Look for birds moving through open ground at dawn and dusk; locate coveys by listening for their distinctive calls in grassland edges. Approach quietly into the wind across open terrain; birds will run or flush explosively when closely approached. Work dogs through tall grass and scrub patches to locate and flush birds effectively.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

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Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.