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Publications

The following are publications from the research projects detailed herein. If you are interested in other citations relative to quail research and/or genetic research involving other avian species, we have compiled a list, available here.

1. Tetranucleotide and dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

   Schable, N. A., B. C. Faircloth, W. E. Palmer, J. P. Carroll, L. Wes Burger, L. A. Brennan, C. Hagen, and T. C. Glenn. 2004. Tetranucleotide and dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Molecular Ecology Notes 4:415-419. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2004.00670.x

   Abstract

   We describe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and conditions to amplify eight dinucleotide, one trinucleotide and 14 tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). The PCR primers were tested on 16 individuals collected from a population located within the Red Hills region of south Georgia and north Florida. The 23 primer pairs developed in this study yielded an average of 6.5 alleles per locus (range 2-11), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.47 (range 0.06-0.94) and average polymorphic information content of 0.60 (range 0.06-0.85).

2. Examining tissue collection methods, paternity estimation, duration of sperm storage, and population differentiation in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) using DNA microsatellites

   K. A. Oswald. 2004. Examining tissue collection methods, paternity estimation, duration of sperm storage, and population differentiation in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) using DNA microsatellites. MS Thesis. Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA. Link to citation

   Abstract

   Northern Bobwhite populations are rapidly declining, and there is little understanding of bobwhite populations at the molecular level. This study was conducted to evaluate recently developed DNA microsatellites and determine the efficiency of these methods in analysis of bobwhite populations. I examine tissue collection methods for effects on neonatal bobwhite and for quantity of DNA and found no effect on growth and survival from different sample methods, with the patagial microbiopsy yielding the best quality DNA for analysis. I examined paternity estimation with known-parent crosses, and found low success in 2001 but higher success in 2002 following the improvement of sampling methodology. I also found that captive female bobwhite are storing sperm following a mate switch for an average of 2.5 days. Finally, I examined the genetic differentiation between four bobwhite populations and found evidence of gene flow among the populations.

3. Post-hatching brood amalgamation in Northern Bobwhites

   B. C. Faircloth, W. E. Palmer, and J. P. Carroll. 2005. Post-hatching brood amalgamation in Northern Bobwhites. Journal of Field Ornithology 76:175-182. DOI: 10.1648/0273-8570(2005)076[0175:PBAINB]2.0.CO;2

   Abstract

   Our understanding of the frequency of post-hatch brood amalgamation in the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is largely anecdotal. Knowledge of its prevalence is critical to estimating survival of bobwhite chicks and understanding evolutionary patterns and strategies of bobwhite reproduction. We captured entire bobwhite broods at 3 to 4 and 10 to 12 days of age and individually-marked each bobwhite chick within a brood. Broods were considered amalgamated if novel unmarked or marked individuals and/or significant differences in body mass or flight ability among chicks were observed. During 2002, minimum frequencies of brood amalgamation within bobwhite broods were 6.7% at 3-4 days of age (N=45 broods) and 20.7% for 10-12 day-old broods (N = 29). During 2003, minimum frequencies of brood amalgamation ranged from 0.0% at 3-4 days of age (N = 15) to 22.2% for 10-12 day-old broods (N = 9). Our results indicate bobwhites exhibit higher rates and earlier prevalence of brood amalgamation than previously documented among members of Order Galliformes. Causes of brood amalgamation in bobwhite may differ from those proposed for waterfowl due to their limited mobility, short lifespan, gregarious behavior, and the resulting potential for relatedness among individuals. Molecular techniques should be used to assess the effects of inclusive fitness losses and/or gains among bobwhites that donate and receive chicks. Finally, bobwhite researchers should recognize the potential bias in chick survival estimates caused by high rates of brood amalgamation.

4. Effects of three sampling methods on growth and survival of neonatal Northern Bobwhite, and the utility of these methods for genetic analysis

   K. A. Oswald, L. W. Burger, Jr., B. C. Faircloth, W. E. Palmer. Submitted. Effects of three sampling methods on growth and survival of neonatal Northern Bobwhite, and the utility of these methods for genetic analysis

   Abstract

   Integrated studies of population ecology and population genetics require that tissue collection methods produce consistently amplifiable DNA and do not affect fitness of sampled individuals. However, additional consideration must be taken when sampling neonates. To assess effects of tissue sampling on neonatal Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), we randomly distributed chicks to 12 treatment combinations of three tissue sampling methods (control, patagial microbiopsy, and down feathers) taken at four ages (1, 3, 6, and 10 days), and measured growth and survival to 21 days. Sampling method and age at sampling did not influence growth or survival. We also assessed the quantity and quality of DNA of three tissue types (patagial microbiopsy, down feathers, and egg teeth). Patagial microbiopsies consistently produced greater amounts of DNA than both down feathers and egg teeth. We suggest patagial microbiopsy is a reliable method of sampling neonatal bobwhite for genetic analysis and has minimal effects on growth and survival.

5. Genetic assessment of pen-reared Northern Bobwhite releases on Ames Plantation

   K. O. Evans, M. D. Smith, L. W. Burger Jr., R. Chambers, and A. E. Houston, and R. Carlisle. Submitted. Release of Pen-reared Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus): Potential Consequences to the Genetic Integrity of Resident Wild Populations.

   Abstract

   In response to low encounter rates with wild northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhites) during bird dog field trials at Ames Plantation in Tennessee, a large-scale release program of pen-reared bobwhites was implemented in the fall of 2002. To evaluate potential genetic effects of pen-reared releases on wild populations, we monitored survival of pen-reared and wild bobwhites from fall release of pen-reared bobwhites through the breeding season. We collected feather samples from wild and pen-reared bobwhites during Fall 2002 and from free-ranging juvenile bobwhites following the 2003 breeding season. We used genotypes from 6 polymorphic microsatellite loci to measure genetic diversity and conduct population assignment tests. Wild bobwhites experienced greater fall-spring (32.9-44.6%) and annual (4.5-8.4%) survival than pen-reared bobwhites; however, pen-reared bobwhites experienced greater fall-spring (12.2-29.8%) and annual (0.5-3.2%) survival than reported in most other studies. Genetic diversity, number of alleles, and allelic richness were greatest in the wild, intermediate in the F1 generation, and lowest in the pen-reared populations. Likelihood analysis and cluster analysis indicated 20.4% and 33.6%, respectively, of juveniles captured after the first breeding season following release were ambiguous in population assignment; suggesting successful reproduction between wild and pen-reared individuals. In some years, some pen-reared birds will survive to the breeding season and successfully reproduce with wild birds. Given that pen-reared and pen-reared x wild birds have reduced genetic variability relative to locally adapted wild birds, large-scale releases of pen-reared bobwhites may result in negative impacts on the genetic integrity of resident wild populations.

6. Home range, movement, and site fidelity of translocated northern bobwhite in southwestern Georgia, USA

   Terhune, T.M., D.C. Sisson, H.L. Stribling, and J.P. Carroll. 2006. Home range, movement, and site fidelity of translocated northern bobwhite in southwestern Georgia, U.S.A. European Journal of Wildlife Research 51:119-124. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-005-0015-1

   Abstract

   During 1997 and 1998, we compared home range, movement, and site fidelity characteristics of translocated wild northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) to resident birds using radiotelemetry. We captured wild bobwhites (n = 74) in southwest Georgia, USA just before the breeding season and relocated them (>1.6 km from capture sites) to sites nearby where previous density estimates revealed that populations were low compared to surrounding areas. Translocated birds were equipped with radiotransmitters and released in groups of 8 to 12. Resident birds (n = 166) were also captured and simultaneously monitored via radiotelemetry. We found no difference in home range size (F(1) = 0.08, P = 0.78), mean daily movements (F(1) = 0.04, P = 0.84), or distance moved from trap or release sites to arithmetic centers of home ranges (F(1) = 1.58, P = 0.21) between translocated and resident bobwhites. These results suggest that translocating wild bobwhites over relatively short distances into suitable habitat does not negatively influence bobwhite movement and renders site fidelity as reasonable. Therefore, translocation of wild bobwhites before breeding season can result in enhanced numbers of adult breeders in a target location and potentially augments fall populations via reproductive yield.

7. The efficacy of relocating wild northern bobwhites prior to breeding season

   T. M. Terhune, D. C. Sisson, and H. Lee Stribling. 2006. The efficacy of relocating wild northern bobwhites prior to breeding season. Journal of Wildlife Management 70:914-921. DOI: 10.2193/0022-541X(2006)70[914:TEORWN]2.0.CO;2

   Abstract

   During 1997 and 1998, we implemented a pilot investigation to compare survival, site fidelity, and reproductive characteristics of relocated wild northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) with that of resident birds. We captured wild bobwhites (n = 74) on managed lands in southern Georgia and relocated them (>1.6 km from capture sites) to sites nearby where density estimates revealed that population density was low compared to surrounding sites. We equipped translocated birds with radiotransmitters and released them in groups of 8-12. We also captured resident birds (n = 166) and simultaneously monitored them via radiotelemetry. We found no difference in survival (P = 0.82), nest production (P = 0.19), or nest survival (P = 0.85) between relocated and resident bobwhites. This suggests that relocating wild bobwhites does not negatively impact their survival or reproductive output. Based on the results of the pilot study, we implemented a large-scale relocation to determine whether relocation can increase native bobwhite populations. Following the pilot study, during 2000-2002, we relocated wild bobwhites (n = 202) within property boundaries to 3 different sites where population densities were low. Although only 2 sites experienced a significant population increase, hunting records suggested a positive population response for all sites where relocation occurred. Hence, relocation of wild bobwhites prior to breeding season may augment low-density populations, isolated populations, or voids within populations. The utility of translocation may facilitate preservation and conservation of the northern bobwhite by augmenting restoration efforts focused on habitat management, affording species preservation in isolated habitats, and increasing population dynamics and demographics via genetic enrichment.

8. Ten microsatellite loci from Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

   B. C. Faircloth, T. M. Terhune, N. A. Schable, T. C. Glenn, W. E. Palmer, and J. P. Carroll. 2008. Ten microsatellite loci from Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Conservation Genetics. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-008-9559-4

   Abstract

   Ecological studies using microsatellite data often require the selection of an optimal marker set for use in parentage and relatedness inference. Commonly, this requires a candidate pool of microsatellite markers from which several are selected to ensure data are acquired efficiently and accurately. We developed 10 microsatellite loci for use with Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and tested these loci using individuals collected from two distinct populations in GA and VA. Our new markers yielded seven alleles/locus (range: 2-16) in the Georgia population and six alleles/locus (range: 2-13) in the Virginia population. Exclusionary power of all markers in each population with both parents unknown was >0.98. These microsatellite loci should be combined with previously developed markers to select an optimal set for use in subsequent analyses of parentage and relatedness.

9. An integrative study of social and reproductive systems in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus): a non-migratory, avian species bearing precocial young

   B. C. Faircloth. 2008. An integrative study of social and reproductive systems in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus): a non-migratory, avian species bearing precocial young. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.

   Abstract

   Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ) inhabit variable environments. Individual behavior likely arose to address this environmental variability. Specific, resulting actions of bobwhites include group living, brood amalgamation, and breeding. I investigate these behaviors by integrating techniques from field and molecular biology to examine the effects of relatedness on individual cooperation and quantify the breeding behavior of bobwhites. My results suggest that kin selection does not affect bobwhite behavior and bobwhite may adopt behavioral strategies, flexibly expressed in the presence of environmental variation, to maximize individual fitness.