Northern Bobwhite in September
Where bobwhites are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Northern Bobwhite's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Northern Bobwhite specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 29 states and provinces where bobwhites occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where bobwhites are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, bobwhites are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Bobwhites are not nesting in September. The season runs April–August at mid-latitudes, and up to a month later in the North.
Outside the nesting season, bobwhites put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Beetles, grasshoppers and legume seeds
Coveys visit ground feeding areas near brushy cover; hedgerows and brush piles are the real attraction.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full Northern Bobwhite diet guide → · Best feeder for bobwhites →
Watching bobwhites this month
Bobwhites are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region bobwhites are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Northern Bobwhite month by month
Northern Bobwhite by state
Frequently asked
Where are bobwhites in September?
In September, bobwhites are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do bobwhites nest in September?
No — bobwhites typically nest April through August at mid-latitudes.
What do bobwhites eat in September?
Beetles, grasshoppers and legume seeds.
Sources
- Northern Bobwhite — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Northern Bobwhite life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Northern Bobwhite — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.