Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Crested Bobwhite

Colinus cristatus

The crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus, is a modestly sized bird, with adults measuring from 178 to 216 millimeters in length. Both sexes present a strikingly similar plumage. The bird is adorned with long, pale buff or white feathers on its forehead and crown, sometimes darkened at the crest. A marbled pattern of black and white graces the back and sides of the neck, while the throat may be white or buff, occasionally speckled with black. The upper parts exhibit a mottled arrangement of black, brown, and grey, and the underparts are a lighter shade, with a mix of buff, cinnamon, and black markings. The eyes are a deep brown, the beak is a stark black, and the legs are a bluish-grey hue. The female tends to have a slightly browner complexion compared to the male.

Identification Tips

When identifying the crested bobwhite, look for the characteristic pale crest feathers and the marbled neck pattern. The bird's mottled upper parts and lighter underparts with distinct markings are also key identification features. The brown eye, black beak, and bluish-grey legs can help distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

The crested bobwhite favors a variety of habitats, including subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and areas of heavily degraded former forest.

Distribution

This species is native to northern South America and can be found extending through Panama and just reaching into Costa Rica. It also inhabits Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

Behaviour

The crested bobwhite is known to form small groups and is typically found on the ground in or near dense cover. Its behavior mirrors that of its relative, the northern bobwhite, engaging in similar foraging and social activities.

Song & Calls

During the breeding season, the male crested bobwhite vocalizes a distinctive, fast, husky call. The three-syllable "quoit bob-white" or a two-syllable "oh, wheet" can often be heard, serving as both a territorial and mating call.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the crested bobwhite consists of buds, shoots, leaves, and small invertebrates, which it forages for on the ground.

Conservation status

The crested bobwhite is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It boasts a very wide range and is commonly found throughout much of its distribution. The population appears to be increasing, indicating a stable conservation status for the time being.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Crested Bobwhites on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Jaider Carrillo
Jaider Carrillo
18 May 2024 - 12:11pm
Colombia

More New World Quail

A photo of a California Quail (Callipepla californica) , male

California Quail

Callipepla californica
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.