Double-banded Courser
NameDouble-banded Courser
Common NameDouble-banded Courser
Scientific NameRhinoptilus africanus
FamilyGlareolidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy brown with dark, scaly markings, providing excellent camouflage. The underparts are white, prominently marked with two distinct black bands across the chest. It has a white supercilium above a dark eye stripe, and long, pale legs.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a soft, whistling 'wee-wee-wee' or 'kik-kik-kik' call, often given at dusk or dawn.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and parts of Angola.
Identifying Featuresdouble black chest bands, sandy brown plumage with scaly back, long pale legs, white supercilium, ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Double-banded Courser is a ground-dwelling bird found in arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa. It is well-camouflaged with its sandy plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its dry, open habitats where it forages for insects.
