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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Namaqua Sandgrouse
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.
Spotted Sandgrouse
Song
Loud, far-carrying territorial call; sharp clucking notes carrying across African spotted sandgrouse open terrain.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Namaqua Sandgrouse
Least Concern
Spotted Sandgrouse
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Namaqua Sandgrouse
Plumage
Namaqua Sandgrouse: males with chestnut and white belly bands; sandy-brown above; pin-like tail; brown-orange head; dimorphic
Spotted Sandgrouse
Plumage
Spotted Sandgrouse: males with orange face; white-spotted brown above; pale below; square tail; bold orange and white face pattern
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus) — 32–36 cm. Sandy-buff with fine white spotting on upperparts; orange throat; slender long tail. Inhabits extreme desert, stony plains, and sandy wastes from North Africa through the Middle East to Pakistan and northwest India. Granivore; highly mobile; drinks at dawn and dusk.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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