Birdsong field guide
Crested Bobwhite
Colinus cristatus
The Crested Bobwhite is a small, ground-dwelling New World quail distinguished by a prominent forward-curving crest and intricate, cryptic plumage. It is a social species often found in small coveys across open tropical landscapes.
What it sounds like
A clear, rising two-note whistle often transcribed as 'bob-white' or 'ah-bob,' similar to its northern relative but typically higher in pitch.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- This species is highly polytypic, with approximately 13 to 20 recognized subspecies showing significant variation in breast color and crest shape.
- The distinctive crest is composed of elongated feathers on the crown that can be raised or lowered during social interactions and displays.
- Unlike many galliforms, the Crested Bobwhite is primarily monogamous, with pairs forming strong bonds during the breeding season.
- Their diet is opportunistic, primarily consisting of seeds and small fruits, but shifts heavily toward insects during the nesting period to provide protein for chicks.
- In the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao, they are one of the few native galliform species and are adapted to arid, xeric scrub environments.
Habitat
Open savannas, grassy scrublands, pastures, and agricultural edges with scattered bushes for cover.
Range
Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas), southern Central America (Panama, Costa Rica), and the southern Caribbean islands.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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