The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Namaqua Sandgrouse
Afrikaans name: Kelkiewyn
Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com
Pterocles namaqua
The Namaqua Sandgrouse is a near-endemic to southern Africa. This means that it is mainly found in southern Africa but its range spills over a bit beyond the region. It is mainly found in the drier areas of South Africa and Namibia.
It prefers arid regions such as those found in the Kalahari and Nama Karoo.
Namaqua Sandgrouse mainly feed on seeds but will sometimes take other vegetable material.
They are able to soak up moisture, in the feathers on their bellies, while at a waterhole then fly back to their nest with the water for their chicks.
Namaqua Sandgrouse make a scrape on the ground for their nests. Normally 2 or 3 eggs are laid. The female tends to the eggs during the hot days and the males look after them at night. The chicks develop and are able to fly short distances and look for food at a young age.
References and further reading
World Birds - Author: Brian P. Martin - Published: 1987 - Page: 125Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 102
The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 131
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 124
The Living Deserts of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Darry Lovegrove - Published: 2021 - Page: 65
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 119
Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 115
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 212
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 220
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 294
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 220
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 298
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 212
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 410
Questions and Answers - Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 29
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 253
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 194
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 194
Nature in the Balance - Author: Rob Marsh - Published: 1991 - Page: 39
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 148
Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 105
Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 159
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 38
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 112
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 111
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 63
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 117
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 117
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 139