Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Pterocles alchata
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Pteroclidiformes · Pteroclididae
About
The pin-tailed sandgrouse is a medium large bird in the sandgrouse family. It has a small, pigeon-like head and neck and a sturdy, compact body. It has long pointed wings, which are white underneath, a long tail and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn. The call is a loud kattar-kattar. This gregarious species breeds on dry open treeless plains and similar habitats. Its nest is a ground scrape into which two or three cream-coloured eggs with cryptic markings are laid. Both sexes incubate the eggs.
Fun Fact
Male Sandgrouse soak their specially adapted breast feathers in water and fly up to 40 km back to chicks, which drink from the feathers like a mobile water bottle.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open areas of stony land
Diet
Eat buds, green shoots and leaves.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance