Double-banded Sandgrouse
NameDouble-banded Sandgrouse
Common NameDouble-banded Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles bicinctus
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)26.5
Weight (g)210
Plumage DetailsMales have a white forehead band bordered by black, a white supercilium, and a prominent orange bill with a yellow eye-ring. The breast features two prominent black bands separated by a white band. Upperparts are sandy-brown with white spots. Females are duller with less distinct banding and a more mottled appearance.
Vocalization / CallA soft, cooing 'kwee-kwee-kwee' or 'whirra-whirra' call, often given in flight or when disturbed.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southern Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Identifying Featuresdouble black and white breast bands (males), white forehead band (males), orange bill, yellow eye-ring, spotted sandy-brown upperparts, ground-dwelling habit
Description
This ground-dwelling bird is characterized by its cryptic sandy-brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in its arid habitat. Males display distinctive black and white banding on the forehead and breast. They are typically found in small flocks, foraging for seeds.
