Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
NamePin-tailed Sandgrouse
Common NamePin-tailed Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles alchata
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)59.5
Length (cm)35
Weight (g)225
Plumage DetailsMales have a bright yellow face with a black stripe through the eye and a black border below the yellow. A broad chestnut band crosses the breast, bordered by black lines. Upperparts are sandy-brown with intricate black barring. Underparts are white. Females are more camouflaged, with heavily barred upperparts and breast, lacking the distinct yellow face and chestnut band of the male. Both sexes possess long, pointed central tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, far-carrying and often repeated 'cha-karrr' or 'kattar-kattar' call, frequently given in flight or when approaching water sources.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across southern Europe (primarily the Iberian Peninsula and southern France) and North Africa, extending eastward through the Middle East to Central Asia.
Identifying Featureslong pointed tail feathers, yellow face (male), chestnut breast band (male), barred upperparts, ground-dwelling behavior
Description
A medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird adapted to arid environments, characterized by its distinctive long, pointed central tail feathers. Males exhibit vibrant plumage with a yellow face and a chestnut breast band, while females are more cryptically patterned. They are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks, especially when visiting waterholes.
