Double-banded Sandgrouse

Dubbelbandsandpatrys · Pterocles bicinctus

A stocky, beautifully mottled ground bird that blends into the dry bush. The male wears a crisp black-and-white forehead and two thin chest bands. It feeds quietly on seeds by day and comes to drink at dusk, when males can carry water soaked into their breast feathers back to thirsty chicks.

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How to identify it

A plump, mottled ground bird; the male has a neat black-and-white forehead and two narrow bands across the chest.

Listen for its call

A soft, whistling 'chwee-chee-choo' as flocks fly in to drink at dusk.

Where to see it in Kruger

Rests in dry bushveld by day and flies to waterholes to drink at dusk park-wide.

Did you know

Males soak their belly feathers at waterholes and fly the water home for their chicks to drink.

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