Sandgrouse is the name of a group of birds from Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. Many species of sandgrouse live in arid and semiarid regions that include some of the world’s harshest desert habitats.
Sandgrouse resemble partridges and pigeons. However, many scientists believe they are most closely related to shorebirds. Sandgrouse usually range from 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) long. They have small heads, short bills, relatively long pointed wings, and short legs often feathered down to the feet. Many species are brownish in color with barred, spotted, or streaked patterns.
Sandgrouse live in family groups, but they commonly gather in huge flocks. Such flocks normally congregate at watering holes each morning or evening. The birds build their nests on the ground. An adult male sandgrouse can carry water to his young in his breast feathers. The chicks then drink the water from his feathers. Sandgrouse feathers hold moisture like a sponge, enabling the birds to nest in dry areas far from water. Their dense plumage also acts as insulation, keeping the birds cool on hot days and warm during cool nights. The diet of a sandgrouse consists mostly of seeds.
