Burchell's Sandgrouse
NameBurchell's Sandgrouse
Common NameBurchell's Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles burchelli
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)26
Weight (g)185
Plumage DetailsBoth sexes have a rufous-brown body heavily speckled with white spots. Males have a grey head and upper breast, a yellow eye-ring, and a black bill. Females are similar but have a more uniformly spotted head and breast, lacking the distinct grey of the male.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, liquid 'kwe-kwe-kwe' or a more rapid 'whirr-whirr-whirr' call, often given in flight or when approaching water.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Southern Africa, found in parts of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying Featuresheavily white-spotted rufous plumage, yellow eye-ring, grey head and upper breast (male), ground-dwelling, frequents waterholes
Description
This medium-sized sandgrouse is characterized by its heavily spotted plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its arid habitat. They are typically found in pairs or small flocks, often gathering at waterholes during the early morning to drink.
