Sandgrouse

Sandgrouse are a family of sixteen bird species belonging to the order Pterocliformes, mainly found in open habitats such as plains and semi-deserts across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. Two genera exist: Syrrhaptes with two species in central Asia, and Pterocles with the other fourteen species distributed throughout Africa and Asia, with some, like the black-bellied and the pin-tailed sandgrouse, also found in the Iberian Peninsula and France. Pallas's sandgrouse also shows occasional large range expansions from Asia. These birds, resembling pigeons, have compact bodies, with males generally brighter and slightly larger than females. Their wings are adapted for fast, sustained flight due to their powerful muscles, and they exhibit rapid take-off capabilities. Their legs are short, with varying degrees of feathering among species. Sandgrouse have a cryptic plumage, which helps them blend into their environment. Special feathers on their belly can absorb and retain water, allowing them to transport it to chicks far from water sources. They are seed eaters, but also consume greenery and insects, particularly during the breeding season. They are known to be gregarious, drinking water en masse at dawn or dusk, depending on the species. Breeding involves a ground-based nest where typically three well-camouflaged eggs are incubated by both parents. The precocial chicks, which are not provided food by their parents, rely on the adults for water transport via specialized feathers and guidance in feeding. Although initially unable to regulate their body temperature, chicks remain with their parents for protection and warmth for several months. Once considered closer to grouse or pigeons, sandgrouse are now placed in their own order due to distinctive characteristics. They have been grouped with Columbiformes in the past, but recent DNA studies have shown divergent evolutionary paths. Humans and sandgrouse have little interaction due to the remote habitats many species occupy. They are not generally hunted for sport or food. Conservation-wise, while no species is currently considered threatened, there have been some local population declines, and ongoing habitat monitoring is essential.