Black-faced Sandgrouse
NameBlack-faced Sandgrouse
Common NameBlack-faced Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles decoratus
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)26.5
Weight (g)195
Plumage DetailsMales feature a distinctive black face, a prominent white supercilium, and a white band below the black throat. Their upperparts are sandy-brown with fine black barring, while the breast is rufous-buff, separated from the white belly by a black and white band. Females are more cryptically patterned with less distinct facial markings.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, cooing 'kwa-kwa-kwa' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa' often heard in flight or when approaching water sources.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, inhabiting arid and semi-arid bushland and scrubland.
Identifying FeaturesBlack face with white supercilium (male), Rufous-buff breast with black and white band (male), Cryptic sandy-brown upperparts with barring, Yellow eye-ring, Orange bill
Description
The Black-faced Sandgrouse is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird found in arid regions of East Africa. It possesses cryptic plumage that provides excellent camouflage against its sandy habitat, and is known for its daily flights to waterholes.
