(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

TAXONOMY

NAME - BOBWHITE, MASKED

OTHER COMMON NAMES - BOBWHITE, MASKED; BOB-WHITE, MASKED; QUAIL, BOBWHITE, MASKED;QUAIL, HOODED; QUAIL and BANDIT; GORIONES BANDITOS (YAQUI); CORDORNIZ (PERDIZ) MASCARITA

ELEMENT CODE -

CATEGORY - Birds

PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,

CLASS AND SUBCLASS - AVES,

ORDER AND SUBORDER - GALLIFORMES,

FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - PHASIANIDAE,

GENUS AND SUBGENUS - COLINUS,

SPECIES AND SSP - VIRGINIANUS, RIDGWAYI

SCIENTIFIC NAME - COLINUS VIRGINIANUS RIDGWAYI

AUTHORITY -

TAXONOMY REFERENCES -

COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Masked Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus ridgwayi Brewster, 1885

KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Bird

PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Aves
ORDER: Galliformes FAMILY: Phasianidae

The adult male masked bobwhite has a rich rufous-red (cinnamon)
breast and a black head and throat. Some males have a white
to yellowish-white superciliary stripe and sometimes touches of white
elsewhere on the head. They have crowns mottled with black and rufous.
The head plumage tends to become purer black with age. The back
feathers are a maze of blacks, browns, rufous and buff, somewhat
similar to the back patterns of other bobwhite races (02,03,04,05,06,
07,08,09,10,11,12,51).
The female plumage is mottled brown, buff and white with a buff
throat and superciliary stripe very similar to females of other
bobwhite races. It is particularly like the female of C. v. texanus
(03,04,05,06,07,08,09,10,11,12). Female masked bobwhite superficially
resemble female and juvenile Montezuma quail, Cyrtonyx montezumae,
giving rise to the frequent misidentification of the latter for the
former. This fact tends to explain the numerous reports of "bobwhite"
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

in the high grasslands to the east of the Santa Cruz drainage,
Arizona (12,13).
While there is little or no disagreement over its present
classification as Colinus virginianus ridgwayi, a subspecies of the
common and widely distributed Northern bobwhite (03,11,14,15,16), much
confusion and contention surrounded its proper classification and
nomenclature for several years after its discovery (02,04,05,07,09,10,
13,22,50). Other scientific names included: Ortyx graysoni (06,19,
20), Ortyx virginianus (21,22), Colinus ridgwayi (02,07,09,14,17,20,
23), Ortyx ridgwayi (48,49), and Colinus graysoni (09). Also, other
common names have included: hooded quail (05), bandit quail (44,45),
Goriones banditos (Yaqui) (45), Cordorniz (Perdiz) mascarita
(Spanish) (46,47), the spelling variation masked bob-white (04,05,07),
and masked bobwhite quail (74).
Stephens' type specimen, a male, taken 18 miles southwest of
Sasabe, Pima County, Arizona in Sonora, Mexico on August 11, 1884,
now is in the British Museum of Natural History (11,16,18).
Tomlinson (12) lists 258 masked bobwhite specimens in 18
prominent museums. He believed that they represented the majority of
specimens existing at that time (1972).

Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

STATUS

Coded Status

E: Federal Endangered

Commercial/consumption
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
Non-consumptive recreational

COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) has been
designated as Endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540),
as amended. The subspecies has this status wherever found including
the States of Arizona (USA) and Sonora (Mexico).
This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.), which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.

RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:

USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.

All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.

STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

STATE: Arizona
DESIGNATED STATUS: Group 2; a species or subspecies whose
continued presence is now in jeopardy,
extirpation is probable without recovery
efforts.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Arizona Game and Fish Department
STATE STATUTE: AZ Revised Statutes 17-102

INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The masked bobwhite is recognized by the following international
units: (1) Appendix I of CITES (as a species in danger of
extinction); (2) The Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife
Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, 1970 (the Western Hemisphere
Annex), (recognized as a species endanger of extinction); (3) the
Government of Mexico (Sonora) (recognized endangered and listed in
their list - "Especies de Fauna en Peligro de Extinction en Mexico",
IMCE, Alfonso Reyes 30 Mexico d.f. agosto de 1982); and (4) The
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,
1986 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (listed as Endangered).

ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The masked bobwhite represents a distinct subspecies of popular
game bird, thus giving it value in sport hunting and non-consumptive
recreational pursuits of birding enthusiats. Also, it has a value as
a component of Arizona's natural diversity.

67/03/11:35 FR 4001/ - Listed as Endangered (Pre-act 1)
70/06/02:38 FR 16047/16048 - Relisted as Endangered (Pre-act 7)
79/05/21:44 FR 29566/29577 - Notice of Status Review
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Notice of Review
87/07/07:52 FR 25522/ - Notice of 5-year review completion

Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL

LAND USE -
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland

COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Historically the masked bobwhite inhabited the Sonoran savanna
grasslands, the Sonoran desertscrub and the Sinaloan thornscrub (29,
30) of extreme Southcentral Arizona and adjacent Central Sonora,
Mexico from Sasabe south to the Valle de Agua Caliente (east and south
of Guaymas) (03,06,12,15,25,26,27,31).
Suitable habitat has a combination of high species richness and
sufficient, though not excessive, ground and shrub cover (30).
Favored habitats required moderately dense native grass cover
characterized by rothrock grama (Bouteloua rothrockii) and other grama
grass species, cane beardgrass (Andropogon barbinoides), tanglehead
(Heteropogon contortus), three-awn (Aristida hamulosa) and others
(12,30,31,32).
Those grasses along with a variety of forbs, including among
others burweed (Ambrosia confertiflora), dwarf Ayenia (Ayenia
pusilla), bugbush (Sida angustifolia), purslane (Portulaca
suffrutescens) and noseburn (Tragia laciniata), form the understory
(12,30,31,32).
Important overstory trees and shrubs include mesquite (Prosopis
juliflora), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), false-mesquite
(Calliandra eriophylla), mimosa (Mimosa laxiflora), wolfberry (Lycium
berlandieri), ironwood (Olneya schottii) and especially unarmed Acacia
(Acacia angustissima) (12,30,31,32).
In the early fall after breeding season, broods (covies) do tend
to move from the widespread nesting areas in the upland range and
grasslands to the lower drainage courses where fallow grain fields and
the more extensive stands of Acacia angustissima are found. Winter
food is thus more readily available (73).
During a masked bobwhite trapping project for the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service the winter of 1985-1986, masked bobwhite were found
closely associated with unarmed acacia (Acacia angustissima),
apparently utilizing the seeds as a major winter food. During that
winter, covies of masked bobwhite also fed and roosted in fallow grain
fields (73).
Elevations of the known habitats ranged from 300-850 feet at
La Misa and San Marcial to 2400 feet at Benjamin Hill and Carbo,
Sonora, Mexico (12).

Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE

LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General
General Forb Leaves/Stems
General Forb Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Deciduous Shrubs-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Cactus-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Deciduous Trees-Leaves/Twigs
General Deciduous Trees-Flowers/Fruit/Seed
General Arthropods
General Worms

Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS:
Seeds of the unarmed Acacia (Acacia angustissima) appear to be a
major food item for the masked bobwhite, especially during the fall,
winter and early spring (12,33).
Acacia angustissima was found to be the main wild food item in
the Rancho El Carrizo area, Sonora, Mexico during the winter of
1985-1986.
Seeds from indigenous plants make up the bulk of the food matter
consumed by masked bobwhites. Among plant seeds utilized by masked
bobwhite, in addition to A. angustissima are ground cherry
(Physalis sp.), panic grass (Panicum sp.), day flower
(Commelina erecta), wild bean (Phaseolus ritensis), Indian mallow
(Abutilon sp.), partridge pea (Cassia leptodena), morning glory
(Ipomoea sp.), milk-pea (Galactea sp.), false-mesquite (Calliandra
reticulata), trefoil (Meiboma sp.) and hierba del soldado
(Waltheria americana) (12,33).
Insects and other animal matter are readily taken when available,
especially in the late spring, summer and early fall when both adults
and quail chicks need additional protein for breeding activities
and/or growth (06,33,34,35). Berries and other small fruits, as well
as green vegetation, are also taken (06,33).
While it is not documented, the fruit and seeds of various
species of cactus may be eagerly sought when available. Other kinds
of quail, in particular, gambel's quail (Callipepla gambellii) and
scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) seek out the fruit of various kinds
of prickly-pear (Opunta sp.) in early fall, when most readily
available (06). In good prickly-pear years feces of the masked
bobwhite are stained wine-red from the cactus fruit juices.
Several areas in Sonora, Mexico in historic masked bobwhite
habitat and one area currently occupied by this quail are being
converted to buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliare). While buffel grass may
provide suitable and acceptable nesting cover for masked bobwhites, no
food source is available for the covies during the critical winter
months (73).

HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Little or no information is currently available, published or
otherwise, on the life history, habits, home range and territoriality
of the masked bobwhite.
Based on observations (73) of wild birds in the Benjamin
Hill-Carbo area of Sonora, Mexico, most winter covies are small
family groups of from 8 to occasionally 20 individuals. Covies
were concentrated close to the drainage areas where Acacia
angustissima was more prevalent and where fallow grain fields were
present. In late June, as the breeding season approaches, the covies
start to break up as mated pairs disperse over the surrounding grama
grass habitat.
Males start to call the "Ah-Bob-white" call that is usually
associated with bachelor or unmated birds in early July, coinciding
with the advent of the summer monsoon seasonal rains.
Masked bobwhite nests are "cleverly" concealed on the ground,
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

lined with dead grass in dense grass.
The eggs are similar to other races of bobwhite - white in color.
The female lays from 10-20 eggs to a clutch and incubation takes
approximately 23 days. Egg laying starts around August 1 and the peak
of hatch occurs about mid-September. Broods consist of 5-15 with an
average of about 11 chicks (12).
Although masked bobwhite males giving the "Ah-Bob-white" call
tend to prefer low elevated perches such as brush piles and low trees
and bushes, they do on occasion whistle the call from the ground.
The masked bobwhite also have the same "hoo-we" call of the other
bobwhite varieties, issued when attempting to re-gather after being
scattered (06,34).
No conflict occurs between a mated pair and a "bobwhite" calling
male unless the single bird attempted to interfere with the pair. In
all cases where such a conflict occurred, it was the single bird that
was subjugated. At times those conflicts became rather intense.
Calling is more prevalent during the early morning, sometimes
before sunrise, and late evenings.
Masked bobwhite roosts that have been found, were on the ground
in the open in the classic "bobwhite" fashion, that is in a tight
circle with heads out and tails inward touching one another.

PERIODICITY:
Masked bobwhites are most certainly diurnal (73).

MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The masked bobwhite is nonmigratory. In early fall after
breeding season, broods (covies) do tend to move from the widespread
nesting areas in the upland range and grasslands to the lower drainage
courses where fallow grain fields and the more extensive stands of
Acacia angustissima are found and winter food is more readily
available (73).

COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Masked bobwhite need sufficient perennial grass cover,
particularly of the grama variety, to hide, sulk and otherwise "feel
secure" in, as well as for nesting and brooding. They are not "happy"
to be in exposed situations -- unlike the Gambel's quail which is
quite "at home" in the open (26,27,300,31,32).

REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Masked bobwhite nests are similar, in general, to those of the
other bobwhite races; that is they are built on the ground under live
perennial grass clumps and formed from dead grass remaining from
previous years (32,35).

REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Masked bobwhite are sexually mature at the first breeding cycle
after their hatch (73). They may pair and successfully nest after
that time, as do other kinds of quail (06).
The winter covies separate into pairs in early July coinciding
with the advent of the summer monsoon cycle. Masked bobwhite, as with
other quail, are monogamous, but probably form new pair bonds each
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

spring (12,32).
The masked bobwhite is now known to commence nesting in mid-July
with onset of the summer monsoon rains (12). Earlier spring records
of nests and eggs probably refer to other species of
whitish-egg-laying quail (i.e. scaled and Montezuma types) (06,39,42)
although, it is likely that on the occasion of unusual spring
precipitation (as in 1987) the masked bobwhite breeding does commence
earlier (70).
The male masked bobwhite selects the nest site upon approval or
acceptance by the female. If it is rejected, the male seeks an
alternate spot. The female constructs the nest with material at hand
plus additional dried grasses supplied by the male. At times there
is a ritual involved as observed in captive birds; the female
will be in the selected site and the male will approach with a
blade of grass or other plant material. He will then face away from
the nest and female and toss the plant matter over his shoulder and
back towards the nest. The female will then reach out, pickup the
material in her bill and incorporate the fibers into the nest.(73)
After the nest is complete, eggs are laid, and incubation is
commenced, the female will leave the nest for short periods in the
morning and evening to relieve themselves, feed and exercise.
Normally the male is in attendance close to the nest and the female.
When the female is off the nest feeding, the mate has been seen aiding
her in an unusual way: the male will gather an insect or other food
items in his bill, stand high on his toes and give a soft "mew" sound
that attracts the hen. She will rush over to him and grab the food
from him. This is done frequently.(73)
Clutches very from 10-20 eggs and broods consist of from 5-15
young with an average of about 11 chicks (12).
The masked bobwhite calling season is less than half that of the
eastern varieties (70 vs. 165 days). The breeding season is
correspondingly shorter and the peak of hatch much later.
Consequently, if the initial nesting attempt of a masked bobwhite pair
is frustrated, little or no time is available for another try. This
characteristic certainly must work to the masked bobwhites'
disadvantage (12,35,36).

PARENTAL CARE:
Masked bobwhite chicks are precocial at birth. Both parents tend
to the young. Usually the female proceeds, followed by the chicks,
with the male bringing up the rear.
The male feeding behavior of the female during incubation, has
been observed with the male feeding the brood in a similar fashion.
The adult male would capture an insect in his bill, stand up high on
his toes and issue a soft "mewing" sound. The chicks immediately
raced toward him. The first chick there grabbed the morsel and dashed
away trying all the time to swallow the sometimes large insect
(katydid, grasshopper, locust or caterpillar) while the rest of the
brood chased the lucky individual about attempting to "steal" the food
from it.
Juvenile Eastern bobwhite are capable of surviving without
parental care at six weeks of age (35). It can be speculated that the
same holds true for the masked variety.
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

The brood plus the adults form the basis for the fall and winter
covey. They stay together until the following late spring or early
summer when pair bonding is started -- each pair eventually separating
into their chosen nesting area (12,35).
The behavior of a pair of captive masked bobwhite in caring for
their brood, of about two weeks, was observed during a torrential
summer monsoon thundershower (73). The two adults huddled together
and stood up on their toes. The chicks then thrust themselves up into
their parents' feathers and also stood up high on their toes. Water
was running an inch deep but all survived in splendid condition.

POPULATION BIOLOGY:
The adult to young ratio of a series of 141 captured birds from
the Rancho El Carrizo area from October through January of several
years was 182:100 or 65% young. The immature sex ratio approached
96:100 or an almost equal proportion while the adult sex ratio of
127:100 illustrated an excess of males, which reflected a normal
population, as understood in other quail species (12,35).
Goodwin (32) found the remains of 18 adult birds which he
attributed to predation: 14 deaths to avian predators and the other
4 possibly to mammals.

SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
There are no known important species inter-relationships.

OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
The latest release procedure for masked bobwhites, involves
foster parenting and pre-release conditioning (32,44,55,56,57,58,59,
60,61,64,66,69). The foster parenting process involves the adoption
of captive reared masked bobwhite chicks by sterilized wild male Texas
bobwhite (C. v. texanus) and their release into the wild as a family
group (71).

Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

Beneficial Prescribed/controlled burning of habitat
Beneficial Selective Thinning
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Water Right Acquisition
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Maintaining Early Stages of Succession
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Food Supply Reduction
Existing Food Supply Reduction
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
Adverse Suppressing wildfire
Existing Suppressing wildfire

COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The masked bobwhite is particularly sensitive to habitat
change and degradation. Its historic ranges were characterized
by gently rolling plains, mesas and river valleys with abundant
native grasses sparsely interspersed with small trees, shrubs
and other woody vegetation. Destruction of those native grass
situations by grazing, periodic droughts, erosion, and wild fire
suppression, factors which are continuing still, have reduced natural
food supplies and have been the causes of the masked bobwhites'
precarious and perilous status (05,13,20,24,25,26,27,28).
Another problem is that several areas in Sonora, Mexico, in
historic masked bobwhite habitat, and one area currently occupied by
this quail are being converted to buffelgrass. While buffelgrass
may provide suitable and acceptable nesting cover for masked
bobwhites, no food source is available for the covies during the
critical winter months (73).
Efforts to re-establish the masked bobwhite in the United States
(Arizona) dates back to the late 1930's (12,25,52). J.S. Ligon
revived interest and concern for the bird by locating substantial
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

populations in Sonora in 1937 and by capturing a group for
re-introduction purposes (52). Ligon subsequently made two additional
trips to Sonora (one in 1949 and the other in 1950) to obtain more
stock (26,27). For the most part those birds were released in areas
now believed not to be historic range (12,25,52,53,54). In addition,
the technique used was to release the adult wild trapped birds into
areas thought suitable and supplied with food and water (52). The
result of those early efforts was failure (12,25,26,53,54).
For a while interest waned, then in 1964 a new masked bobwhite
population was located (25,28). About that time, Endangered Species
Legislation was enacted charging the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries
and Wildlife with the responsibility for the conservation and
restoration of "endangered species" (12).
A propagation program was initiated at the Patuxent Wildlife
Research Center, Laurel, Maryland with brood stock donated in 1965 by
S.H. and J.J. Levy, later supplemented with wild trapped birds in 1968
and 1969 (12). During that restoration phase a different release
method was tried -- captive reared juvenile masked bobwhite
(approximately 1.5-2 months old) were released directly into
suitable historic habitats. Those young quail were kept in holding
pens a short while to acclimate them to local conditions. They were
then "gently" released (12,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63). That method
of releasing juvenile quail directly into the wild without "adult
supervision" also ended in failure (12,25).
In 1987, arrangements were made with the Government
of Mexico to supply (to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service) with
captive reared juvenile masked bobwhite for release into
"likely-looking" habitats in historic areas of Sonora (47,64).
Subsequent surveys of those release areas have failed to indicate any
successes (30,31,72).
The latest release procedure for masked bobwhites, involves
foster parenting and pre-release conditioning (32,44,55,56,57,58,59,
60,61,64,66,69). The foster parenting process involves the adoption
of captive reared masked bobwhite chicks by sterilized wild male Texas
bobwhite (C. v. texanus) and their release into the wild as a family
group (71). This release technique along with the purchase of
historic habitat in the newly acquired Buenos Aires National Wildlife
Refuge (65,66,67,68,69) promises to be a major stride in the
successful re-establishment of the masked bobwhite as a natural
component of the native fauna in Arizona (70).

APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1984. Masked Bobwhite Recovery Plan.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM. 82 pp.

The recovery plan calls for the establishment and permanent
protection of habitat necessary for four self-sustaining populations
(defined as an annual average of 200 calling males), three in Arizona
and one in Mexico. The highest priority area in Arizona is the
southern Altar Valley, because a small self-sustaining population was
established there in the late 1970's before grazing and drought
degraded the habitat and the population declined. A step down
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

outline of the recommened recovery actions needed for recovery and
delisting follows:

1. Establish three more self-sustaining masked bobwhite populations in
Arizona.
a) Permanently protect and manage suitable masked bobwhite
habitat in the Alter Valley, Arizona, where the bird was
reintroduced.
b) Develop and implement a habitat protection plan for the
bobwhite (this will mean permanently protecting lands from
grazing).
c) Once permanent protection is acheived, complete a habitat
management plan designed to maintain and increase
carrying capacity. This will include such actions as
construction of brush piles, controlled burning, mesquite
management (selective thinning and clearing), irrigation,
and construction of dikes to distribute run-off more evenly
may substantially increase the area's carrying capacity for
the masked bobwhite.
d) Annually monitor masked bobwhite numbers and habitat
conditions.
e) Make additional releases as necessary. The captive flock
at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center should be maintained
to provide large numbers of birds for release. The
addition of 25-30 birds from the wild in Mexico was
recommended to increase the genetic diversity of the
captive flock.
2. Protect and manage two or more additional suitable bobwhite
management areas. The southern Altar Valley is the most important
of these because it has a demonstrated ability to support the
quail. Portions of the Santa Cruz Valley, also within the
presumed historic range, could be made suitable, but costly habitat
restorations would be required. Steps will include:
a) Search all portions of the known historic range and nearby
areas for suitable management areas.
b) Evaluate and establish priorities for potential sites.
c) Obtain long term habitat protection for two or more
priority sites (i.e through land acquisition, controlling
development, water right acquisition, etc.).
d) Create or enhance habitat on the management area(s) for the
masked bobwhite. This may require several years of
planting native grasses and shrubs, and at the same
time the addition of irrigation will improve the success of
these plantings. Also, important in habitat management for
this subspecies are actions such as maintaining the water
table and flow to insure the land remains suitable as
bobwhite habitat.
3. Establish masked bobwhite populations on managed area(s). Once
release areas are secured and the habitat is judged to be suitable,
release of approximately 2-4,000 birds per site over a 3 to 5 year
period may be required to establish a self-sustaining
population(s). Actions needed for such a step will include:
a) Maintaining a viable captive flock at suitable facilities.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

b) Release propagated stock on each management area sufficient
to establish self-sustaining population.
c) Monitor numbers and habitat conditions on the management
area(s).
d) Implement management as necessary to maintain optimal
habitat conditions. Periodic brush removal (both exotics
and natives), burning and mesquite management (to maintain
early successional stages), grass seeding, etc., may be
needed.
4. Conduct studies on masked bobwhite life history, population
dynamics, and habitat use on all remnant and restored populations.
Areas that need to be looked into include:
a) Study seasonal habitat preferences and seasonal food
habitats of all populations.
b) Determine absolute densities and monitor population
dynamics and habitat conditions of all populations.
c) Conduct basic ecological and life history studies on all
populations, as needed.
5. Efforts in Mexico should continue to maintained and/or
reestablished one or more viable populations of bobwhite, determine
present range, habitat conditions, and population trends of masked
bobwhite.
6. Diligent law enforcement efforts may be necessary to prevent
harmful intrusions (i.e., restrict human access, and control and
and prevent hunting (poaching) and collecting of masked bobwhite).
7. Conduct information and education programs designed to gain needed
support for the protection and restoration of the masked bobwhite.

Curent recovery activities have included: (1) the acquiring of
the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (in 1985); (2) a total of
853 birds were released in the fall of 1985, 1,699 in 1986, and 2,171
in 1987; and (3) seventeen masked bobwhite (9 males, 8 females) were
captured in Mexico in January 1986 and added to the captive flock to
increase genetic diversity. Trends for bobwhites and their habitat in
Mexico continue to be downward, though searches and monitoring efforts
continue. Protection of habitat in Mexico does not appear to be
immediately forthcoming.

Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****

01 American Ornithologists Union. 1983. Check-list of North American
birds. 6th Ed. Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. p.132
02 Brewster, W. 1885. Additional notes on some birds collected in
Arizona and the adjacent province of Sonora, Mexico.
Auk 2:196-100.
03 Aldrich, J.W. 1946. The United States races of the bobwhite.
Auk 63:493-508.
04 Allen, J.A. 1886. The masked bob-white (Colinus ridgwayi) in
Arizona, Auk 3:275-276.
05 Allen, J.A. 1886. The masked bob-white (Colinus ridgwayi) of
Arizona and its allies. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 1(7):273-291.
06 Bent, A.C. 1932. Life histories of North American gallinaceous
birds, U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. 162:36-40.
07 Brewster, W. 1887. Further notes on the masked bob-white
(Colinus ridgwayi). Auk 4:159-160.
08 Coues, E. 1903. Key to the North American birds. 5th Ed. Dana
Estes & Co., Boston., Vol. 2:755-756.
09 Ridgway, R. 1887. A manual of North American birds. J.P.
Lippincott Co., Phila., pp. 189 and 585.
10 Ridgway, R. and H. Friedmann. 1946. The birds of North and
Middle America. U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. 500, Vol. 100:308,344-347.
11 Bank, R.C. 1975. Plumage variation in the masked bobwhite,
Condor 77(4):486-487.
12 Tomlinson, R.E. 1972. Review of literature on the endangered
masked bobwhite. U.S. Bur. Sport Fish & Wildl. Resour. Publ. 108.
13 Phillips, A.R., G. Monson, and J.T. Marshall, Jr. 1964. The
birds of Arizona. Univ. of Ariz. Press, Tucson, pp. 28-29.
14 American Ornithologists' Union. 1944. Check-list of North
American birds. 19th Supplement. Auk 61:446.
15 American Ornithologists' Union. 1957. Check-list of North
American birds. 5th Ed., Lord Balti. Press, Balti., p.141.
16 Friedmann, H., L. Griscom, and R.T. Moore. 1950. A
distributional check-list of the birds of Mexico. Cooper Ornith.
Club Ser., Pac. Coast Avifauna 29(1):75.
17 American Ornithologists' Union. 1895. Check-list of North
American Birds. 2nd Ed., Ed. W. Wheeler, Cambridge, Mass., p.107.
18 Hellmayer, C.E., and D. Conover. 1942. Catalogue of birds of the
Americas and the adjacent islands. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Zool.
Ser. 13(1):242.
19 Grinnell, G.B. 1884. A quail new to the United States fauna.
Forest & Stream 22:243.
20 Brown, H. 1904. Masked bob-white (Colinus ridgwayi).
Auk 21:209-213.
21 Brown, H. 1884. Ortyx virginianus in Arizona. Forest & Stream
22:104.
22 Ridgway, R. 1884. Ortyx virginianus not in Arizona. Forest &
Stream 22(7):124.
23 Allen, J.A. 1886. The type specimen of Colinus ridgwayi. Auk
3:483.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

24 Walker, L.W. 1964. Return of the masked bobwhite. Zoonooz
37(1):100-15.
25 Gallizioli, S. 1964. Results of a brief investigation of the
masked bobwhite in Sonora, Mexico. Unpubl. Spec. Rept., Ariz.
G.& F. Dept., Phoenix.
26 Lawson, L.L. 1951. Masked bobwhite and Benson quail trapping in
Sonora, Mexico. Fed. Aid Proj. W-400-R-2, Work Plan 2, Job 2
Compl. Report, Ariz. G.& F. Dept., Phoenix.
27 Ligon, J.S. 1952. The vanishing masked bobwhite. Condor
54(1):48-50.
28 Gallizioli, S., S.H. Levy, and J.J. Levy. 1967. Can the masked
bobwhite be saved from extinction? Aud. Field Notes 2:571-575.
29 Brown, D.E., Ed. 1982. Biotic communities of the Southwest.
Boyce Thompson S.W. Arboretum, Superior, Ariz.
30 Mills, G.S., and F.W. Reichenbacher. 1982. Status of the masked
bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) in Sonora, Mexico. Unpubl.
Spec. Rept. to the U.S. F.& W. Serv. by Ariz. Nat. Herit. Prog.,
Tucson.
31 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1985. 1983 Status of the masked bobwhite in
Sonora, Mexico. Spec. Rept. to U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
32 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1981. Habitat needs of masked bobwhite in
Arizona. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albuq., NM.
33 Cottam, C.P., and P. Knappen. 1939. Food of some uncommon North
American birds. Auk 56:138-169.
34 Brown, H. 1885. Arizona Quail Notes. Forest & Stream
25(23):445.
35 Lehmann, V.W. 1984. The bobwhites in the Rio Grande Plain of
Texas. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Sta., pp. 1007-1008.
36 Stoddard, H.L. 1936. The bobwhite quail etc. Chas. Scribner's
Sons, N.Y.
37 Speake, D.W., and A.O. Haugen. 1960. Quail reproduction and
weather in Alabama. Proc. 14th Annual Conf. S.E. Assoc. G.& F.
Comm., pp. 85-97.
38 Stanford, J.A. 1952. Whirring wings: the bobwhite quail in
Missouri. Mo. Cons. Comm. Bull., Jefferson City, pp. 1-96.
39 Bendire, C.E. 1892. Life histories of North American birds,
etc., Spec. Bull. U.S. Natl. Mus. 1(1):10-13.
40 Smith, A.P. 1907. Summer notes from an Arizona camp. Condor
9:196-197.
41 Spaulding, E.S. 1949. The quails. The MacMillan Co., N.Y.,
pp. 99-103.
42 Swarth, H. 1941. A distributional list of the birds of Arizona.
Cooper Ornith. Club Ser., Pac. Coast Avifauna 10:21.
43 Johnsgard, P.A. 1973. Grouse and quails of North America. Univ.
of Nebr. Press, Lincoln.
44 Whitaker, B. (Robt.). 1986. Return of the bandit quail. Ariz.
Highways 62(6):32-37.
45 Hilton, J.W. 1947. Sonora sketch book. The MacMillan Co.,
N.Y., pp. 202.
46 Reyes O. 1981. Sandalio, La Codorniz Mascarita de Sonora en
Peligro y Esfuerzos de Rescate (in Spanish). Alternativas
Alimentarias en La Cuenca del Golfo de Calif., in VI Simposio
Sobreel Medio Ambiente del Golfo de Calif. pp. 120-128.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

47 Reyes O. 1981. Sandalio, Liberacion de Codorniz Mascarita
(Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) en el Estrado de Sonora 1980-1982
(in Spanish), Oficina de Flora y Fauna Silvestre, Dept. de
Proteccion y Restauracion Ecologica, Subdelegacion de Ecologica,
Sedue, Sonora. pp. 1-3.
48 Ogilvie-Grant, W.R. 1893. Catalogue British Museum XXII,
p. 422.
49 Ogilvie-Grant, W.R. 1897. A hand-book to the game birds. Ed.
Lloyd, Ltd., London, Vol. II.
50 Ridgway, R. 1886. Arizona quail. Forest & Stream 25:484.
51 Allen, J.A. 1887. A further note on Colinus ridgwayi. Auk
4:74-75.
52 Ligon, J.S. 1942. Masked bobwhite quail in southern Arizona and
notes on efforts at restoration. Memo of Information and
Reference, Tucson Field Station Files, U.S. Biol. Survey.
53 Arrington, O.N. 1942. A survey of possible refuge areas for
masked bobwhite in the Arivaca and Altar Valleys. Unpubl. Spec.
Rept., Proj. 11D, Ariz. G.& F. Dept.
54 Campbell, H. 1968. Successes and failures of exotic game birds
in New Mexico. Proc. Western Assoc. G.& F. Comm 48:269.
55 Tomlinson, R.E., and D.E. Brown. 1970. Our bobwhites come home.
Ariz. Wildl. Views, May-June, pp.4-11.
56 Brown, D.E., and D.H. Ellis. 1977. Status summary and recovery
plan for the masked bobwhite. U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albq., N.M.
57 Ellis, D.H., S.J. Dobrott, and J.G. Goodwin, Jr. 1978.
Re-introduction techniques for masked bobwhites. Pp. 345-354 In:
Endangered Birds: Mgt. Tech. for Preserving Threatened Species.
Univ. of Wisc. Press, Madison.
58 Goodwin, Jr., J.G. and C.R. Hungerford. 1977. Habitat use by
native Gambel's and scaled quail and released masked bobwhite in
southern Arizona, U.S.F.S. Res. Paper R.M. 197.
59 Ellis, D.H., and J.A. Serafin. 1977. A research program for the
endangered masked bobwhite. World Pheasant Ass'n. Jour. 2:16-33.
60 Ellis, D.H., and R. Tomlinson. 1974. Development of release
techniques for masked bobwhite. Annual Res. Prog. Rept.,
Patuxent Wildl. Research Center, U.S. F.& W. Serv., Laurel, Md.
61 Waide, L.S. 1974. Land use study for masked bobwhite quail
research area. Spec. Rept. to U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albq., N.M.
62 Lahr, J. 1967. Classification for multiple use management,
Cerro Colorado Hills, Pima County, Arizona. Rept. to Bur. of Land
Mgt., Phoenix District, Phoenix, AZ.
63 Lahr, J. 1968. Multiple use classification - Phoenix Resource
Area, Cerro Colorado Hills Site (PD-P-917). Draft Proposal for
Bur. of Land Mgt., Phoenix District, Phoenix, AZ.
64 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1981. 1981 releases and rurveys of masked
bobwhite. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albq., NM.
65 Johnson, T.B., and S.W. Hoffman. 1984. The masked bobwhite:
background information on a critical decision. Unpubl. Spec. Rept.
to the Ariz. G.& F. Dept., Phoenix.
66 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1983. Potential release sites for masked
bobwhites in Arizona. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. by Ariz. Nat. Herit.
Prog. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
67 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1984. Report of a brief reconnaisance
References - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

of the Bunos Airs Ranch and environs immediately north of Sasabe,
Pima County, Arizona, during August 1982 and 1983 in search of
the masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi). Unpubl. Spec.
Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
68 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1982. A report on the search for
evidence of surviving masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus
ridgwayi) on the Bunos Airs Ranch Federal Wildlife Refuge, Pima
County, Arizona During July-August 1985. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to
Ariz. Game & Fish Dept., Phoenix.
69 Ough, W.D., and J.C. de Vos, Jr. 1982. Masked bobwhite
investigations on the Bunos Airs Ranch in August 1982. Unpubl.
Spec. Rept. by Ariz. Game & Fish Dept. to the U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
70 Anon. 1987. Researchers find proof of bobwhites nesting at
refuge. Tucson Daily Citizen, Tucson, AZ.
71 Dubrott, S.J. 1985. Masked bobwhite quail release program.
Unpubl. Prog. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
72 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1985. A report of the current status
of the masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) in the
Benjamin Hill-Carbo Area of Sonora, Mexico. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to
Ariz. Game & Fish Dept., Phoenix.
73 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1985-1986. Pers. observ. Tucson, AZ.

***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****

01 Allen, J.A. 1886. The masked bob-white (Colinus ridgwayi)
in Arizona. Auk 3:275-276.
02 Allen, J.A. 1886. The masked bob-white (Colinus ridgwayi) of
Arizona and its allies. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 1:273-2900.
03 Brown, H. 1885. Arizona quail notes. Forest & Stream, Vol.
25(23):445.
04 Brown, H. 1904. Masked bobwhite (Colinus ridgwayi). Auk
21:2009-213.
05 Ridgway, R. and H. Friedmann. 1946. The birds of north and
middle America. U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. 500, Vol. 100.
06 Stephens, F. 1885. Notes of an ornithological trip in Arizona
and Sonora. Auk 2:225-231.
07 Grinnell, G.B. 1884. A quail new to the United States fauna
Forest & Stream 22:243.
08 Tomlinson, R.E. 1972. Current status of the endangered masked
bobwhite quail. Trans. 37th N.A. Wildl. & Nat. Resour. Conf.,
W.M.I. pp. 294-311.
09 American Ornithologists' Union. 1957. Checklist of North American
birds, 5th Ed., Lord Balti. Press, Baltimore, p. 141.
10 Allen, J.A. 1889. Note on the first plumage of Colinus
ridgwayi. Auk 6:189.
11 Spaulding, E.S. 1949. The quails. The MacMillan Co., N.Y.,
pp. 99-1003.
12 Elliot, D.G. 1897. The gallinaceous game birds of North
America. Francis Harper, N.Y., p.19.
13 Smith, A.P. 1907. Summer notes from an Arizona camp. Condor
9(6):196-197.
References - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

14 Phillips, A.R. 1968. The instability of the distribution of
land birds in the southwest. Coll. Pap. in Honor of Lyndon Lane
Hargrave, Papers of the Archeolo. Soc. of New Mex. 1:136, Mus.
of N.M. Press, Santa Fe.
15 Bendire, C.E.. 1892. Life history of North American birds.
Spec. Bull. U.S. Natl. Mus. 1:100-13.
16 Brewster, W. 1885. Additional notes on some birds collected in
Arizona and the adjacent province of Sonora, Mexico, etc.
Auk 2:196-200.
17 Brewster, W. 1887. Further notes on the masked bob-white
(Colinus ridgwayi). Auk 4:159-1600.
18 Hellmayer, C.E. and D. Conover. 1942. Catalogue of birds of the
Americas and the adjacent islands. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Zool.
Ser. 13(1):242.
19 Van Rossem, A.J. 1931. Report on a collection of land birds
from Sonora, Mexico. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 6:245.
20 Van Rossem, A.J. 1945. A distributional survey of the birds of
Sonora, Mexico. Occ. Pap. Mus. Zool. La. State Univ. 21:72.
21 Van Rossem, A.J. 1934. Critical notes on middle American birds,
Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. 77:387-490.
22 Lawson, L.L. 1951. Masked bobwhite and Benson quail trapping
in Sonora, Mexico. Fed. Aid Proj., W-400-R-2, Work Plan 2 Job
Compl. Report, Ariz. G.& F. Dept., Phoenix.
23 Ligon, J.S. 1952. The vanishing masked bobwhite. Condor
54(1):48-50.
24 Neff, J.A. 1947. Notes on some birds of Sonora, Mexico. Condor
49(1):32-33.
25 Friedmann, H., L. Griscom, and R.T. Moore. 1950.
Distributional checklist of the birds of Mexico. Cooper Ornith.
Club, Pac. Coast Avifauna 29(1):75.
26 Gallizioli, S. 1964. Results of a brief investigation of the
masked bobwhite in Sonora, Mexico. Unpubl. Spec. Rept., Ariz.
Game & Fish Dept., Phoenix.
27 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1985. A report on the current status
of the masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) in the
Benjamin Hill-Carbo Area of Sonora, Mexico. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to
Ariz. Game & Fish Dept., Phoenix.
28 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1983. Status of masked bobwhite in Sonora,
Mexico. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Albuquerque, NM.
29 Mills, G.S., and F.W. Reichenbacher. 1982. Status of the masked
bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) in Sonora, Mexico. Spec.
Rept. by Ariz. Nat. Herit. Prog. to U.S. F.& W. Serv.
30 Lumholtz, C. 1912. New trails in Mexico. Scribner's Sons,
N.Y., pp. 22,38.
31 Dubrott, S.J. 1985. Masked bobwhite quail release program.
Unpubl. Prog. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
32 Ough, W.D., and J.C. de Vos, Jr. 1982. Masked bobwhite
investigations on the Buenos Aires Ranch in August 1982. Unpubl.
Spec. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv. by Ariz. Game & Fish Dept.
33 Goodwin, Jr., J.G. 1981. Releases and surveys of masked
bobwhite. Spec. Rept. to U.S. F.& W. Serv., Albuquerque, NM.
34 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1984. Report of a brief
References - 5 (DRAFT) - References
Species BOBWHITE, MASKED
Species Id ESIS102003
Date 14 MAR 96

reconnaissance of the Bunos Airs Ranch and environs immediately
north of Sasabe, Pima County, Arizona, During August 1982 and
1983 in search of the masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus
ridgwayi). Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Albuquerque, NM.
35 Levy, S.H., and J.J. Levy. 1985. A report on the search for
evidence of surviving masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus
ridgwayi) on the Buenos Aires Ranch Federal Wildlife Refuge, Pima
County, Arizona During July-August 1985. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to
Ariz. Game & Fish Dept., Phoenix.
36 Goodwin, J.G., Jr. 1981. Habitat needs of masked bobwhite in
Arizona. Unpubl. Spec. Rept. to U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv.,
Albuquerque, NM.
37 Brown, D.E. 1971. Endangered species investigations: masked
bobwhite. Spec. Rept., Proj. W-53-21, Work Plan 6, Job 1, Ariz.
G.& F. Dept., Phoenix.
38 Breninger, G.F. 1904. Passing of the masked bobwhite. Warbler
2:700.
39 Levy, S.H. [n.d.] Pers. experience. Tucson, AZ.

References - 6