Bobwhite quail populations in Mississippi have declined over the past several decades, but some residents still hear males calling during the breeding season. The males produce their signature bob-white call to attract hens, a behavior that occurs throughout spring and summer.
Biologists and wildlife managers use this calling behavior to develop a population abundance index. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) conducts breeding season call counts on Wildlife Management Areas to monitor trends over time. Although this method is not an exact count, analyzing data over five or more years at the same locations helps assess population productivity and habitat quality.
Members of the public can assist in monitoring quail populations by reporting sightings and calls through the Bobscapes App. In the past three years, Mississippi has recorded over 250 quail observations across 56 counties, according to MDWFP.
