Colinus virginianus maculatus

(Nelson, 1899)

Vernacular names
English : Northern bobwhite
French : Colin de Virginie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Odontophoridae
Notes : 20 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 22 cm in length for a weight up to 260 g. Bright chocolate brown plumage with dark wings and rows of white spots on belly. Head white and brown with small crest. Female has a yellower face.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to North-East Mexico, from Tamaulipas to San Luis Potosi. Species also occurs from south-east Canada to Guatemala. Lives in pine woodlands, woodland edges, shrubs and agricultural fields.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species is still secure in some places but many populations have suffered substantial decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Penang Bird Park (Malaysia), SARL C. Roels (France)

 

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