Northern Bobwhite Quail
The quail subspecies occurring here is slightly smaller than more northern
subspecies (cocks, 146.43 gm; hens, 150.47 gm). Babcock-Webb is close
to the southern limit of the bobwhite’s range. As is typical on
the periphery of a species’ range, the population fluctuates widely.
At Webb, rainfall appears to be a dominant factor in the fluctuation.
In 1946 the quail population was estimated at 9000 birds, and by 1948 had fallen to a low of 1000 birds. Largely as a result of intensive management, the population peaked with 34,000 birds in 1976-77. From 1952-1980, the average annual quail harvest was 4,433 birds. A downward trend began in 1981, and the average harvest from 1981-1994 was 2,334 birds. This downward trend may have been related to increasing hunting pressure. Development on neighboring lands has also increased dramatically since 1980.
The FWC is currently conducting a study of the quail population on
Babcock-Webb. Three hundred quail have been equipped with radio tags.
The study will yield valuable information about the quail’s life
history and habitat requirements. As an adjunct to this study, a number
of Cooper's hawks have been tagged as well.
