BOBWHITE
PR

The cheery song of the bobwhite is one of the most pleasant sounds in the world of nature. It is easy to imitate, and the country boy who has learned to whistle has no trouble calling up single birds. Southern farmers take pride in the number of coveys of "buhds" on their property and can usually walk-up a covey at any time. The ten inch fellow is so pleasing and such a gentleman that men have always loved him even when they pursue him in the fall as a swiftly flying game bird.

The habits of bobwhite have changed over the years. One cause of the change is hunting pressure, but the principal reason is the practice of clean farming by landowners. Thirty years ago, corn and bean fields and hedge rows were "Bob`s" habitat. When the hedge rows disappeared, he moved into the swamps, briar patches and masses of impenetrable honeysuckle after a quiet meal in the open fields. Today, a strong and staunch bird dog and hunter are needed to find the elusive little flyers.

Bobwhites are gregarious, living in flocks which sometimes number up to twenty-five birds. They sleep in a circular group facing out in dense brambles or swamps and, when disturbed, fly out like veritable "bomb-shells".

The male is handsome in a brown coat and white breast crossed with black lining. A conspicuous white throat and black band through the eyes aid in identification. The female bird is more somber in all her coloring.

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