Pterocles orientalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Taxonomy and Size

The black-bellied sandgrouse (scientific name Pterocles orientalis (Linnaeus, 1758)) is 33–39 cm (13–15 in) long and weighs 300–615 g (10.6–21.7 oz), and it is likely the largest species in the sandgrouse family.

Body and Wing Morphology

This sandgrouse has a small, pigeon-like head and neck, a stocky compact body, and long pointed wings, with fast direct flight.

Flight Identification Features

In flight, the species is easy to identify by its white underwings and black belly.

Drinking Behavior

Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn.

Male Plumage

Males have a grey head, neck, and breast, with black underparts and golden-brown upperparts marked with darker patterns. They have a thin black border around the lower breast and a chestnut throat patch.

Female Plumage

Females have browner, more finely marked upperparts, including the head and breast; their underparts and breast band are identical to those of males.

Subspecies Variation

The eastern race of this species is paler and heavier than the nominate Pterocles orientalis orientalis. Eastern males have yellower upperparts and greyer underparts than the western form, while eastern females are whiter below; the two races are often impossible to distinguish.

Vocalization

The call of the black-bellied sandgrouse is a soft chowrrr rrrr-rrrr.

Breeding Habitat

This is a gregarious species that breeds on dry open plains and similar habitats. Unlike the pin-tailed sandgrouse, it avoids areas that are completely lacking in vegetation.

Nest and Eggs

Its nest is a scrape dug into the ground, where it lays three greenish eggs that have cryptic markings.

Parental Care

Both sexes participate in incubation, but only the male brings water to the nest.