The bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) which received its name from a distinct, whistled "bobwhite" call is a small, but plump bird that measures 8-11 inches in length and weighs around 6-7 ounces (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1998). Like most upland game birds, the bobwhite contains a short but stout beak along with powerful feet and claws. These features adapt the quail for finding and eating the seeds and fruits, which make up a good portion of its diet (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1998).

The body feathers of the bobwhite are reddish-brown in color that are mottled with black and white spots with a tail that is gray (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1998). In male bobwhites, the throat is white and a white stripe extends from the bill over the eye to the base of the neck. The region below the eye stripe is colored black and expands under the throat to form a black collar. Female quail lack this black collar and their throats and eye stripes are buff, rather than white (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1998). The bobwhite's mottled coloring serves a protective purpose. When the bird is threatened or alarmed, it often "freezes," allowing its camouflage coloring to blend into its surroundings.