Double-banded Sandgrouse

Afrikaans name: Dubbelbandsandpatrys

A pair of Double-banded Sandgrouse with the male at the back

Photo © Steven Herbert

Pterocles bicinctus

Double-banded Sandgrouse behaviour

The Double-banded Sandgrouse is normally seen sitting on the ground in areas of short grass or even on dirt roads. Keep an eye out for them along the edge of dirt roads in Kruger National Park. They are normally seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small flocks. In some area’s large flocks head to water at dusk.

Double-banded Sandgrouse appearance

These birds are around 25 cm in length and weight between 215 and 250 grams. Their spotted plumage blends in well with their surroundings. The male Double-banded Sandgrouse has black and white bars on its forehead and a chestnut throat.

Double-banded Sandgrouse diet

Their diet consists entirely of seeds, particularly from trees such as the Acacias. They mainly feed in the early morning and evening but are also known to feed at night when there is sufficient moonlight.

Double-banded Sandgrouse breeding

In South Africa their breeding season is predominantly between May and July. The nest is a mere scrape in the ground amongst some grass. A bit of dry plant material is added as lining. Normally the female lays 3 eggs but sometimes she only lays 2. The pair share the incubation duties with the female taking the night shift and the male the dayshift. Both parents tend to the chicks.

Double-banded Sandgrouse distribution and habitat

The South African distribution of these sandgrouse is a clear band, from coast to coast, across the northern parts of the country. Their preferred habitats are dry bushveld, savanna and other areas with scrub as well as rocky hillsides.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Double-banded Sandgrouse male

Below - Double-banded Sandgrouse female

Photo © Steven Herbert

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 140

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 117

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 117

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 78

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 54

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 113

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 38

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 76

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 148

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 194

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 194

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 125

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 214

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 221

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 301

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 297

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 212

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 220

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 118

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 102

List of South African Birds