Four-banded Sandgrouse
NameFour-banded Sandgrouse
Common NameFour-banded Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles quadricinctus
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)27
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive black and white band across the breast, a yellow face with a black eye-stripe, and a white forehead band. The back and wings are sandy-brown with dark barring, while the belly is finely barred black and white. Females are duller with less distinct banding.
Vocalization / CallTypically described as a soft, guttural "churrr-churrr" or "whirr-whirr" call, often given in flight or when approaching water.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a broad belt of sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania and Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive black and white breast bands (males), yellow face with black eye-stripe, white forehead band, cryptic sandy-brown plumage with dark barring, red bill
Description
This medium-sized sandgrouse is characterized by its cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend into its arid and semi-arid environments. Males display distinctive black and white breast bands and a yellow face. They are known for flying long distances to water sources, often carrying water in specialized belly feathers for their young.
