This is a moderately-sized quail and is the only small galliform native to eastern North America. The bobwhite can range from 24 to 28Â cm (9. 4 to 11. 0Â in) in length with a 33 to 38Â cm (13 to 15Â in) wingspan. As indicated by body mass, weights increase in birds found further north, as corresponds to Bergmann's rule. In Mexico, northern bobwhites weigh from 129 to 159Â g (4. 6 to 5. 6Â oz) whereas in the north they average 170 to 173Â g (6. 0 to 6. 1Â oz) and large males can attain as much as 255Â g (9. 0Â oz). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 9. 7 to 11. 7Â cm (3. 8 to 4. 6Â in), the tail is 5 to 6. 8Â cm (2. 0 to 2. 7Â in) the culmen is 1. 3 to 1. 6Â cm (0. 51 to 0. 63Â in) and the tarsus is 2. 7 to 3. 3Â cm (1. 1 to 1. 3Â in). It has the typical chunky, rounded shape of a quail. The bill is short, curved and brown-black in color. This species is sexually dimorphic. Males have a white throat and brow stripe bordered by black. The overall rufous plumage has gray mottling on the wings, white scalloped stripes on the flanks, and black scallops on the whitish underparts. The tail is gray. Females are similar but are duller overall and have a buff throat and brow without the black border. Both sexes have pale legs and feet.
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