Northern Bobwhite  Colinus virginianus

WINTER:  Rare Resident.  See Remarks section for CBC data.

SUMMER:  Rare Resident.  See Remarks section.

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Rare Resident.

 Fall:  Rare Resident.

REMARKS:

Population Status:  Populations have decreased steadily since the 1970's.  The average number of birds recorded on CBC's in our area decreased from 33.5 in the 1950's to 2.9 per count during the 1980's (Kiff et al. 1986).  There are no CBC records since 1993.  Habitat loss and severely cold winters are probable causes for this decline.  Currently, Crown City WA is the only location where this species occurs regularly.  This remnant population may be used, in the future, for an introduction program in other areas of Ohio (personal communication, Ohio Division of Wildlife).  Currently, harvest of this species is allowed only during November in southwestern and south-central Ohio (18 Counties) (Ohio Division of Wildlife 2001).

Breeding Bird Survey (Bullard 2003): Cabwaylingo State Forest, Wayne, Co., WV (2002): 135 Stops (7 surveys), 64 Mile. Number of Stops Recorded: 1. Total Birds: 1.

Breeding Bird Survey (Koch and Hurley 1972): Beech Fork Lake, Mason Co., WV (29 May 1969): 50 Stops, 25 Mile. Number of Stops Recorded: 19. Total Birds: 23.

Breeding Bird Survey (Koch 1974): McClintic WMA, Mason Co., WV (29 May 1971): 50 Stops, 12.25 Mile. Number of Stops Recorded: 13. Total Birds: 13.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT DATA

Huntington, WV (1940 to 2001):        Recorded on 61% of Counts.  Total Birds:  681.  Range:  1 to 60.
Mason County, WV (1953 to 1976):  Recorded on 44% of Counts.  Total Birds:   58.   Range:  1 to 17.
Ona, WV (1962 to 2001):                  Recorded on 63% of Counts.  Total Birds:  258.  Range:  1 to 68.

Huntington, WV (1940 to 2001):        Number of Counts:  61.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:  4.4.
Mason County, WV (1953 to 1976):  Number of Counts:  18.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:  6.1
Ona, WV (1962 to 2001):                  Number of Counts:  40.  Birds/Party Hr.:  <1.0.  Party Hr./Bird:  7.0.