Namaqua Sandgrouse
Pterocles namaqua
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<birdfyi-bird slug="pterocles-namaqua"></birdfyi-bird>About
Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua) — 24–28 cm. Small; sandy brown; male with chestnut-and-white breast bands; pointed tail. Inhabits arid semi-desert and Karoo scrub of southern Africa. Granivore; forms vast flocks at waterholes. Male soaks belly feathers daily to carry water up to 80 km for chicks.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.7 cm | 12.9 in |
| Weight | 172.66666666666666 g | 6.09 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Namaqua Sandgrouse: males with chestnut and white belly bands; sandy-brown above; pin-like tail; brown-orange head; dimorphic
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21 days. Fledging: 42 days.
Clutch Size
3
Sound
Song
Loud, far-carrying call with resonant quality; powerful notes carrying across dry open terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes (Sandgrouse) |
| Family | Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse) |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | Pterocles namaqua |
Distribution
Namaqua Sandgrouse has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Namaqua Sandgrouse endangered?
How does the Namaqua Sandgrouse nest?
What does the Namaqua Sandgrouse sound like?
How big is the Namaqua Sandgrouse?
What order and family does the Namaqua Sandgrouse belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Pteroclidae family