Scientific Name: Pterocles exustus Common Name: Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Other Name: Indian Sand Grouse
Identifying Features: Large sized, pointed tail, sandy brown colour, males have thin black breast band and solid chestnut belly, females have black bars on the back and a mottled neck.
Fun Facts:
- Though they live in hot, arid climates, they are highly reliant on water. They have been known to travel up to 80 kilometres in one day in search of water.
- A subspecies, P. e. floweri, was last seen in the Nile Valley of Egypt in 1979. It is thought to be extinct, but the reasons for this are unknown.
- Entirely vegetarian throughout their lives.
The image was clicked by Steve Gravie – via Flickr.
Where have you seen this bird? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share a photo of this bird clicked by you by sending it to birdwatcher@delhigreens.org