Knowledge of the flight behavior of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) is necessary for planning the layout of escape cover and other cover types, yet little relevant information is available. We analyzed 300 flights of bobwhites in southern Texas during June 1992-May 1993. The average flight lasted 5.1 ± 0.21 sec (SE), attained a maximum height of 2.4 ± 0.07 m, and traversed a straight-line distance of 47.0 ± 1.51 m at a speed of 8.7 ± 0.21 m/sec. Bobwhites occurred almost exclusively at points on the ground associated with >90° of flight space unobstructed by woody vegetation. Our results suggest escape cover should be ≤ 100 m from any point in a management area.