Burchell's Courser
NameBurchell's Courser
Common NameBurchell's Courser
Scientific NameCursorius rufus
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)59
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsFeatures a rufous (reddish-brown) crown, a prominent black eye-stripe extending from the bill to behind the eye, and a pale supercilium above it. The upperparts are sandy-brown, blending well with its habitat, while the underparts are white. The legs are long and pale.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, whistling 'prrrp' or 'whit-whit' call, often given when disturbed or in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, found in arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola.
Identifying Featuresrufous crown, black eye-stripe, sandy-brown upperparts, white underparts, long pale legs, upright posture
Description
This is a slender, long-legged ground bird with cryptic plumage, well-adapted to arid environments. It typically forages by running short distances and then pausing to pick up insects from the ground.
