Wildwood Zoo Welcomes a New Species: The Northern Bobwhite Quail

Wildwood Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a brand-new species to their collection — the Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus). This marks the first time the zoo has housed this delicate and charming native bird as they look toward increasing awareness about its unique role in Wisconsin’s natural heritage.

A Brief History of the Northern Bobwhite in Wisconsin
Once a familiar sound in Wisconsin’s southern grasslands and farmlands, the clear “bob-WHITE” call of the Northern Bobwhite Quail has become increasingly rare over the past several decades. Populations began to decline in the mid-20th century due to habitat loss, harsh winters, and changes in farming practices. Today, Northern Bobwhites are considered a species of special concern in Wisconsin — their numbers fragile and scattered, with only small pockets remaining in the wild. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.