Namaqua Sandgrouse
NameNamaqua Sandgrouse
Common NameNamaqua Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles namaqua
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)56
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)200
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive black and white band across the breast, a chestnut belly, and finely barred upperparts. Females are more cryptically patterned with intricate barring and spotting, lacking the prominent breast bands but often showing a reddish-brown band on the lower breast. Both sexes have long, pointed central tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, melodious 'kelkiewyn' call, often given in flight, which sounds like 'kelkiewyn-kelkiewyn'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, found across Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and parts of Angola and Zimbabwe, inhabiting arid and semi-arid plains.
Identifying Featureslong pointed central tail feathers, cryptic, sandy-brown plumage, males with black and white breast band, distinctive 'kelkiewyn' call, often seen at waterholes
Description
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird found in arid regions of southern Africa. Known for its cryptic plumage that provides excellent camouflage and its unique ability to carry water to its chicks using specialized belly feathers.
