Two peaks also occur in avian predation. The first occurs in April and is associated with several events. This is the time of year when the woods are burned, so available cover is minimal, and also is the time of the northern hawk migration. Combine this with increased movements due to covey break-up, as well as displaying and calling by males, and the result is high avian predation on quail. The second peak of avian predation occurs in December and directly coincides with the southerly hawk migration.
Most predation comes from canebrake rattlesnakes.
Survival by month and sex of bobwhite quail. Figure 3 shows annual survival rates of both male and female quail. Patterns and causes of mortality were generally the same with only a couple of minor differences. This is due to their increased vulnerability to predators when they are displaying and calling. Male survival is slightly higher during the hunting season.