Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
NameYellow-throated Sandgrouse
Common NameYellow-throated Sandgrouse
Scientific NamePterocles gutturalis
FamilyPteroclidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)375
Plumage DetailsMales have a prominent yellow throat bordered by a broad black band, a grey head and neck, and sandy-grey upperparts with dark mottling. The flanks are often chestnut-orange with fine barring. Females are generally duller, lacking the bright yellow throat and black band, and are more heavily barred overall.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a deep, resonant, and guttural 'kwa-kwa-kwa' or 'kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa', often given in flight or from the ground.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species has a disjunct distribution, occurring in two main populations: one in eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania) and another in southern Africa (Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe).
Identifying Featuresyellow throat, black throat band (males), cryptic sandy-grey and mottled plumage, ground-dwelling habit, pointed tail feathers
Description
The Yellow-throated Sandgrouse is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird characterized by its cryptic plumage and distinctive vocalizations. It typically inhabits open, arid grasslands and savannas, often found near water sources where it gathers to drink.
