Mississippi Quail Populations Decline but Can Still Be Heard

Bobwhite quail populations in Mississippi have decreased over the past several decades, but some people still enjoy hearing males calling during the breeding season, according to wildlife officials.

The males produce their signature bob-white call throughout spring and summer in an effort to attract hens. Biologists and wildlife managers use this calling behavior to estimate population trends by conducting breeding season call counts on Wildlife Management Areas.

While not an exact method, tracking call count trends over five or more years at the same sites helps provide insights into population productivity and habitat quality, officials said. These surveys are part of ongoing efforts by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to monitor quail populations.

Members of the public can assist in monitoring efforts by reporting sightings and sounds of quail through the Bobscapes App. In the past three years, more than 250 observations have been reported from 56 counties across the state.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks website.

Source: Original Article