Spotted Sandgrouse
NameSpotted Sandgrouse
Common NameSpotted Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles senegallus
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsMales have a pale grey head and breast, a prominent orange throat patch, and a white belly. Their upperparts are sandy-buff with fine dark barring. Females are more mottled and spotted overall with dark brown on a sandy-buff background, providing excellent camouflage, and lack the distinct orange throat.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, liquid, bubbling 'chuck-a-chuck-a-chuck' or 'kett-kett-kett' call, often given in flight or when approaching watering holes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia, extending eastwards into India.
Identifying FeaturesSexual dimorphism (male's orange throat and grey breast), Cryptic mottled plumage of female, Pointed tail feathers, Ground-dwelling behavior in arid environments, Distinctive bubbling call
Description
The Spotted Sandgrouse is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird found in arid regions. Males display a distinctive orange throat and grey breast, while females are more cryptically patterned with extensive spotting. They are known for their ability to carry water in their belly feathers to their chicks.
