Northern bobwhite quail in a shaded thicket, escaping the heat.

Hot or Not? How Ground Temperatures Affect Bobwhite Quail Survival

Soraya Malik in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 5 min read.

"Uncover how microclimates and temperature choices impact northern bobwhite quail in a warming world."

In a world grappling with climate change, understanding how animals adapt to rising temperatures is more crucial than ever. For endothermic creatures like the northern bobwhite quail, maintaining a stable body temperature is a constant challenge, especially in the harsh conditions of semiarid environments. These birds often find themselves at the very edge of their thermal tolerance, making their survival a delicate balance.

A recent study published in Ecosphere sheds light on the critical role of ground surface temperature and black globe temperature in the resource selection of northern bobwhite quail. By examining how these birds choose their habitats based on temperature, researchers are uncovering vital clues to help ensure their survival in a warming world. This knowledge could prove essential for conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vulnerable populations.

The research delves into several key questions: What are the temperature limits that bobwhites can tolerate? Is ground surface temperature a better indicator of their environment than black globe temperature? And how does the time of day influence their choices of thermal resources? The answers to these questions offer a comprehensive view of the thermal ecology of these birds and highlight the importance of considering microclimates in conservation strategies.

Decoding Bobwhite Temperature Preferences: Why Microclimates Matter

Northern bobwhite quail in a shaded thicket, escaping the heat.

Researchers tracked 40 radio-marked bobwhites over three years, from April to September, in a semiarid region of Texas. At each location where a bird was found, they measured both ground surface temperature and black globe temperature. Black globe temperature is a measure of radiant heat, while ground surface temperature reflects the conductive heat experienced directly from the ground. These measurements were taken not only at the bird's location but also at a random spot 20 meters away, providing a comparison between chosen and available environments.

The team then used continuous selection functions to estimate the temperature ranges that bobwhites find suitable. They also employed generalized linear models to determine if the birds were actively seeking cooler microclimates at certain times of the day. Finally, case-controlled logistic regression models were used to create thermal resource selection functions, comparing models that included ground surface temperature, black globe temperature, and a combined index derived from both.

Temperature Tolerance: Bobwhites preferred areas with black globe temperatures between 24.5°C and 42.5°C and ground surface temperatures between 23.0°C and 39.5°C.
Combined Temperature Index: A combination of black globe and ground surface temperatures was a better predictor of bobwhite habitat selection than either measure alone.
Daily Temperature Regulation: In the early afternoon, bobwhite locations were significantly cooler, with black globe temperatures 13°C lower and ground surface temperatures 18°C lower than random locations.

These findings highlight the importance of considering both radiant and conductive heat when assessing the thermal environment of bobwhites. The fact that a combined index was the best predictor suggests that these birds are responding to a complex interplay of thermal factors, not just one single variable. The daily temperature regulation also underscores the need for bobwhites to find refuge from the most intense heat of the day.

What This Means for the Future of Bobwhites

The study's results have significant implications for the conservation of northern bobwhite quail. As climate change continues to drive temperatures upward, the availability of suitable thermal cover becomes even more critical. The research suggests that managing landscapes to provide a variety of microclimates—including areas with reduced solar radiation and conductive heat—can help bobwhites cope with increasing temperatures. This might involve preserving or creating woody plant thickets that offer shade and reduce ground surface temperatures. By focusing on the thermal needs of these birds, conservation efforts can better ensure their long-term survival in a changing world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/ecs2.2441, Alternate LINK

Title: Ground Surface Vs. Black Globe Temperature In Northern Bobwhite Resource Selection

Subject: Ecology

Journal: Ecosphere

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Benjamin R. L. Olsen, Timothy E. Fulbright, Fidel Hernández, Eric D. Grahmann, David B. Wester, Michael W. Hehman

Published: 2018-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What temperature ranges do northern bobwhite quail prefer, and why is this information important for their conservation?

Northern bobwhite quail prefer areas with black globe temperatures between 24.5°C and 42.5°C and ground surface temperatures between 23.0°C and 39.5°C. This information is vital because, as climate change elevates temperatures, knowing these preferences allows for managing landscapes to provide suitable thermal cover. Creating microclimates with reduced solar radiation and conductive heat, through methods like preserving woody plant thickets, becomes essential for their survival.

How do ground surface temperature and black globe temperature individually affect northern bobwhite quail, and why is a combined measure more effective?

Ground surface temperature reflects the conductive heat experienced directly from the ground, while black globe temperature measures radiant heat. Northern bobwhite quail respond to both. A combined index of black globe temperature and ground surface temperature is a better predictor of habitat selection because it captures the complex interplay of thermal factors influencing the bobwhites, rather than relying on a single variable. The study suggests that these birds are responding to both radiant and conductive heat. This nuanced response highlights the complex thermal ecology of the species.

How does the time of day influence the temperature preferences of northern bobwhite quail, and what specific actions do they take to regulate their temperature?

In the early afternoon, when temperatures peak, northern bobwhite quail seek cooler microclimates. Research indicates that bobwhite locations are significantly cooler during this time, with black globe temperatures 13°C lower and ground surface temperatures 18°C lower than random locations. This behavior shows they actively regulate their temperature by seeking refuge from intense heat, emphasizing the importance of available thermal cover during the hottest parts of the day. Understanding this daily regulation is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

What is the significance of microclimates in the conservation of northern bobwhite quail, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change?

Microclimates are critically important because they provide varied thermal environments within a larger landscape. Northern bobwhite quail rely on these variations to regulate their body temperature. As climate change increases overall temperatures, the availability of suitable thermal cover, such as shaded areas with lower ground surface temperatures, becomes crucial. Managing landscapes to offer a range of microclimates ensures that bobwhites can find refuge from extreme heat, enhancing their resilience and survival in a warming world. Conservation efforts that ignore these microclimates may be less effective.

Beyond temperature, what other factors might influence the habitat selection and survival of northern bobwhite quail, and how could future research address these?

While temperature plays a significant role, other factors like food availability, water sources, predation risk, and habitat structure also influence habitat selection and survival of northern bobwhite quail. Future research could investigate the interplay between these factors and temperature. For example, studies could examine how changes in vegetation cover (affecting both temperature and predator avoidance) impact bobwhite populations. Furthermore, research could explore how access to water influences thermal stress responses in these birds, providing a more holistic understanding of their ecological needs. Understanding these interactions would allow for more comprehensive and effective conservation strategies.