Birds
File:Female black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) in Algeria.jpg

Black-bellied Sandgrouse

Black-bellied Sandgrouse

85
1 day ago
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Spotted
The Black-bellied Sandgrouse is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Eurasia and North Africa. Known for its cryptic plumage that blends seamlessly with its desert habitat, it forms large flocks, especially when gathering at water sources. Males have a distinctive black belly.
Where to spot
Semi-desert, steppe, barren plains, and dry cultivation fields across the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia to northwestern China.
How to spot
Look for flocks flying rapidly and directly, often at dawn or dusk, heading towards water. On the ground, their camouflage makes them difficult to spot, so look for movement. Listen for their distinctive croaking calls in flight.
When to spot
Best observed in the early morning or late afternoon when they fly to and from water sources. They are most active during the breeding season (spring/early summer) and form large flocks outside of it.
Twee zandhoenen in vlucht tegen een blauwe lucht
File:Female black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) in Algeria.jpg
File:Male black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) In Algeria.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis 134539163.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis 160906512.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis 1921.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis 2018.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis 371859041.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis arenarius 208174952.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis arenarius 304552958.jpg
File:Pterocles orientalis in flight.jpg
Twee zandhoenen in vlucht tegen een blauwe lucht
Credits: Door Andreas Trepte - Eigen werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76366751
File:Female black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) in Algeria.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Male black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) In Algeria.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis 134539163.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis 160906512.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis 1921.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis 2018.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis 371859041.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis arenarius 208174952.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis arenarius 304552958.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Pterocles orientalis in flight.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Male sandgrouse have specialized belly feathers that can absorb and hold water, allowing them to carry water over long distances (up to 30 km) back to their chicks in the nest.
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336 (Seen in the last 3 months)
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