Double-banded Sandgrouse
Pterocles bicinctus
Double-banded Sandgrouse eats seeds in arid semi-deserts and sparse savannas.
| Scientific name | Pterocles bicinctus |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 280-350 grams; female: slightly lighter, about 250-320 grams |
How to identify
Medium to small-sized bird, plumage primarily sandy yellow; chest marked with two distinct black horizontal bands; head and neck covered with fine dense spots; wings short and broad, rapid wingbeats in flight; tail short with a slightly rounded tip.
Habitat
Arid semi-desert areas, sparse wooded grasslands, open shrublands
Diet
Primarily seeds, also consumes small invertebrates and tender plant leaves
When it is active
Diurnal, mainly active during early morning and late afternoon
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, and parts of South Africa; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Search in open semi-desert areas at dawn or dusk, observe ground activity, use binoculars to minimize disturbance
Photography tips
Use soft morning light for photography, capture wing movement during flight, use a telephoto lens to maintain distance and avoid disturbing the bird
Threats
Habitat destruction, overgrazing leading to vegetation degradation, occasional hunting
Similar species
Single-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus), distinguished by a single black band on the chest and a grayer body color
You might also like
LC African Broad-billed Roller
Eurystomus glaucurus
LC African Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
LC African Green Pigeon
Treron calvus
LC African Grey Hornbill
Lophoceros nasutus
LC African Harrier Hawk
Polyboroides typus
LC African Hawk Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
LC African Hoopoe
Upupa africana
LC African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus