Keeping Up with the Quail Count
The familiar whistle of “bob-white” cutting through a South Texas morning is music to the ears of quail hunters. For generations, bobwhite quail have been one of the most sought-after game birds in the U.S., deeply woven into the hunting heritage of South Texas. The reason we still get to enjoy this tradition today? Conservation efforts driven by hunters, landowners, and wildlife managers working to restore habitat, improve survival rates, and boost quail numbers.
But how do we actually know if quail populations are thriving, declining, or holding steady? While we rarely have an exact count, we can estimate populations by looking at the number of coveys (groups of quail), the individuals within those coveys, and their age and sex ratios. There are several ways to gauge quail numbers, and while some are more precise than others, each method provides valuable insight for managing your land and sustaining
healthy populations.
Let’s walk through a few ways ranchers and wildlife managers can monitor their quail populations. Instead of diving deep into the technical details of each method, we’ll cover the basics and how they help guide management decisions. For a more indepth look at these techniques, plenty of great resources are available.¹²³
Listening for Quail: Call-Count Surveys
One of the easiest and most widely used methods to estimate quail populations is call-count surveys. These surveys help track population trends over time by listening for the distinctive calls quail make during different seasons.
Spring Whistle Counts
During the breeding season (March–July, with a peak in May and June), male bobwhites whistle to attract mates. In a whistle count survey, a single observer counts the number of different males calling—not the number of whistles—at each survey point.²³
Here’s how it works:
- Surveys are done early in the morning, starting
about 30 minutes before sunrise and ending two
hours after. - Observers listen for three to five minutes at
multiple designated listening stations. - Since a bobwhite’s call can be heard from 400–600
yards away, each listening station covers about 125
acres.
Whistle counts don’t provide a total population estimate, but they do help track population trends
from year to year. They also give an idea of how many unmated males are present, although this isn’t fully confirmed.²
Fall Covey Calls
In the fall, quail gather into coveys, and just before sunrise, they call out to regroup after roosting.
Covey-call surveys work similarly to whistle counts:
- Observers listen at designated stations (ideally the
same ones used in spring). - Counts are conducted at least three times between
October and March.² - Listening begins about 45 minutes before sunrise
and lasts 20 minutes.
Each survey covers roughly 500 acres, so for larger properties, multiple observers may be needed.²³ This method provides a solid estimate of the number of coveys in an area, and when combined with other techniques, helps give a clearer picture of overall quail numbers.
Counting Quail Directly
If you want a more precise count, direct survey methods can help estimate the number of individual quail or coveys on your property. These methods range from simple on-the-ground observations to high-tech aerial surveys.
Walking or Driving Transects
One of the most practical ways to count quail is by walking or driving designated routes and recording the number of quail that flush.²³
- Four one-mile transects per square mile (640
acres) are recommended. - Surveys should be done three to five times during
the first three hours of daylight in fall and winter.³ - Observers record the number of individuals and
coveys flushed along the route.
Some landowners use helicopters or airplanes to conduct these surveys from low altitudes (75–150 feet).² While this method can cover large areas quickly, it’s costly and often done alongside deer or antelope surveys.
Drive Counts & Complete Counts
For a more structured approach, drive counts involve a group of people systematically covering an area to count quail.
- Five to ten people walk in a line, spaced 30–60 feet
apart, often with dogs to help locate birds.²³ - Birds are counted as they flush, with observers
minimizing double-counting by focusing on birds
flushing to their designated side.
Complete counts attempt to survey an entire area, while drive counts estimate populations based on a sample (typically 15–25% of the land).³ Even with these methods, quail counts often underestimate true population sizes by 10–50%.³
Drones: A New Frontier in Quail Counting
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are becoming a game-changer for wildlife surveys. Researchers have successfully used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect and count coveys,¹ and
sometimes even individual quail when vegetation allows. Drones also offer the advantage of monitoring habitat quality and recording video for future reference. However, they’re best used in
combination with other counting methods to estimate the number of quail per covey.
Harvest Data: Learning from the Hunt
Harvest counts offer a unique blend of direct and indirect population monitoring. While this method only accounts for birds removed from the population, it provides valuable insights into population structure.
By examining harvested birds, managers can determine:
- Sex ratios (male vs. female)
- Age structure (juvenile vs. adult)
On its own, harvest data doesn’t give a full picture of quail numbers, but it can supplement other surveys and help track trends over time.
Why Multiple Methods Matter
No single survey technique gives the full story. Some methods provide an estimate of total population size, while others track trends over time. By combining multiple techniques—like call-count surveys, direct counts, and harvest data—you’ll get a more accurate and well-rounded picture of your quail population. And with better data, you can make more informed management decisions to ensure future generations can enjoy the thrill of hearing that iconic “bob-white” whistle across the Texas landscape.
Bibliography
- Lappin O, Elmore JA, Jones LR, Schultz EA, Iglay RB, McConnell MD. 2024. Using drones equipped with thermal cameras to locate and count quail individuals and coveys: A case study using Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus in Mississippi, USA. Ecological Solutions and Evidence 5:e12306.
- Rollins D, Brooks J, Wilkins N, Ransom D Jr. 2005. Counting Quail. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University System.
- Wilkins N. 1998. Techniques for Estimating Quail Population Trends. Preserving Texas’ Quail Heritage, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University System, pp. 67–73.
