Burchell's Sandgrouse

Afrikaans name: Gevlekte sandpatrys

Burchell's Sandgrouse

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Pterocles burchelli

Burchell's Sandgrouse behaviour

The Burchell’s Sandgrouse is also known as the Spotted Sandgrouse and the reason for that is clear when you glance at the photos. They can be found in pairs or small flocks. Interestingly these birds don’t always take to the air when disturbed. Often, they creep away from the source of possible danger or just crouch down and rely on their camouflage to keep them safe.

Burchell's Sandgrouse appearance

The sandgrouse are around 25 cm in length with males being slightly bigger than females. They have longer legs, than the other species of sandgrouse in the region. Male and female look the same other than the colour of the feathers on their faces: females are yellowish while males are greyer.

Burchell's Sandgrouse diet

Seeds form the major portion of their diet, particularly those from legumes such as the Red Pea.

Burchell's Sandgrouse breeding

Pairs make a simple nest, which is a scrape on the ground, next to some vegetation. The nest is lined with dry plant material. Nesting takes place in winter and normally three eggs are laid. Both parents tend to the eggs and chicks.

Burchell's Sandgrouse distribution and habitat

Burchell's Sandgrouse is found in the drier areas of Botswana and South Africa, but it is absent from the really arid areas along the west coast. They tend to be found in areas where there is food and water present and may stay there until these become unavailable. They lead a nomadic life following the availability of food and water.

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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: 118

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 118

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 112

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

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: 213

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 220

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 299

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 295

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