Black-faced Sandgrouse vs Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Pterocles decoratus compared with Pterocles gutturalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black-faced Sandgrouse | Yellow-throated Sandgrouse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterocles decoratus | Pterocles gutturalis |
| Order | Pterocliformes | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae | Pteroclidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 32.2 cm (12.7 in) | 42.7 cm (16.8 in) |
| Weight | 180.83333333333334 g (6.38 oz) | 342.5 g (12.08 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Black-faced Sandgrouse only
None
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse only
Song & Call Comparison
Black-faced Sandgrouse
Loud, carrying call with resonant quality; deep notes carrying well across dry open terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Loud, far-carrying call with resonant quality; powerful notes audible at distance across open terrain.
Conservation Status
Black-faced Sandgrouse
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
How to Tell Them Apart
Black-faced Sandgrouse
Black-faced Sandgrouse: males with black-white face pattern; sandy-brown above; chestnut belly band; dimorphic; East African species
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse: males with yellow throat; sandy-brown above; white belly; chestnut belly band; dimorphic; African species
About These Birds
Black-faced Sandgrouse
Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus) — 24–28 cm. Brown and buff barred pattern; male with distinctive black-and-white facial mask; short tail. Inhabits dry bush and open semi-arid country in East Africa from Somalia to Tanzania. Granivore; gregarious drinker.
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (Pterocles gutturalis) — 28–32 cm. Sandy-buff; male with yellow throat bordered by black collar; slender tail. Found in open woodland, grassland, and farmland in East and southern Africa. Granivore; drinks at waterholes in flocks. Male carries water in belly feathers for chicks.