Rhinoptilus africanus (Temminck, 1807)

Taxonomy and Naming

This bird species, the double-banded courser, has the scientific name Rhinoptilus africanus (Temminck, 1807).

Crown Plumage

Its crown is pale, with streaks of brown or black feathers.

Facial Stripe

A narrow black stripe runs from the base of the bill, through the eye, all the way to the nape.

Head and Neck Plumage

The cheeks, chin, throat, and neck are buff or white, with flecks of dark brown.

Back and Wing Plumage

The feathers of the back and wing coverts are sandy brown, with dark centres and broad edges of white or buff.

Soft Part Morphology

It has a short blackish bill, dark brown eyes, and pale grey legs and feet.

Geographic Distribution

The double-banded courser is distributed across Ethiopia, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Conservation Status

It is widespread enough that it has practically no chance of becoming endangered or going extinct.

Habitat and Breeding Environment

It lives and breeds on flat, stony or gravelly semi-desert terrain that has firm sandy soil, along with tufty grass or thorn scrub.