Double-banded Sandgrouse
Pterocles bicinctus
BBroad-leaved woodland. Usually in pairs. Female almost completely speckled. Male has distinctive white and black band on breast. White spots on back.
Sandgrouse
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Common, near-endemic resident. Male distinguished by black-and-white bars on forehead, both sexes by fine black barring on belly. Calls ‘chuck-chuck’; flocks come to drink after sunset calling ‘Don’t weep so Charlie’. Pairs or flocks widespread in bushveld and broad-leaved woodland, especially mopane woodland.
Quick Facts
Size
25 cm - M
Names
A: Dubbelbandsandpatrys
Ss: Kokwi Ya Metjhatobedi
G: Nachtflughuhn
Bird Family
Pigeon-like birds with cryptic coloration, males more boldly patterned than females. They have pointed wings and short bills and legs, with the front of the tarsus feathered to the toes. Their walk is shuffling but their flight swift and powerful, the birds often covering considerable distances daily to reach water where, at certain favoured pools, they gather in great flocks morning or evening. All inhabit arid western regions, the Double-banded Sandgrouse ranging more easterly.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
