Sound on: Bobwhite quail get their unusual name from their distinctive call - listen for a "bob-white!" whistle-like call that goes up in pitch at the end! | Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Sound on to hear what a Northern Bobwhite sounds like! Their song is a clear, whistled bob-WHITE or poor-bob-WHITE. The bobwhite is the only native quail in the east and are heard more often than seen. although not especially shy, they often keep within dense low cover. During fall and winter, bobwhites live in coveys, averaging about a dozen birds. At night they roost on the ground in circles, tails pointed inward, heads pointed out. They can be found year-round in North Carolina but are in ste