Q 01/05

Newly hatched northern bobwhite chicks, ready to leave the nest within a day, are often said to be the size of what?

A) Sparrows

B) Field mice

C) Bumblebees

D) Chipmunks

Answer · why

C) Bumblebees

Bumblebees are the usual comparison for the downy hatchlings, which can walk and feed themselves almost at once. Both adults watch over them.

Q 02/05

How does a group of northern bobwhites arrange itself to sleep through a cold winter night?

A) A ring, heads outward

B) A line, beak to tail

C) A heap, chicks on top

D) Pairs, side by side

Answer · why

A) A ring, heads outward

A ring, heads outward and tails together, likely saves body heat while the birds watch every direction at once. Now and then a group roosts up in low ...

Q 03/05

What is the traditional name for a flock of bobwhite quail, usually around a dozen birds in winter?

A) Gaggle

B) Covey

C) Murder

D) Parliament

Answer · why

B) Covey

Covey is the word for these flocks, which break up each spring when the birds pair off to nest. Through fall and winter the members feed and rest toge...

Q 04/05

What trick do adult northern bobwhites use to draw a fox or raccoon away from their chicks?

A) Playing dead

B) Spraying a foul scent

C) Mimicking an owl's hoot

D) Faking a broken wing

Answer · why

D) Faking a broken wing

Faking a broken wing, an adult flutters and drags itself along so the hunter chases what looks like an easy meal. Birds reared in captivity rarely do ...

Q 05/05

The saucer-shaped nest that a northern bobwhite pair digs is about as big as which piece of sports gear?

A) A softball

B) A golf ball

C) A basketball

D) A bowling ball

Answer · why

A) A softball

A softball is the usual yardstick for the shallow scrape, which is about six inches across. Both birds dig it and line it with grass.