Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse
Pteroclidae
Desert Survivors: Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae) are tough, resilient birds perfectly adapted to life in some of the world’s harshest environments. Found across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, these birds thrive in dry, open landscapes, including deserts and scrublands. Their compact bodies, pointed wings, and swift, pigeon-like flight make them efficient fliers, often traveling long distances between feeding and watering sites. One of their most fascinating adaptations is their ability to carry water. Males of some species, like the Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua), have specialized belly feathers that absorb and hold water, allowing them to transport moisture back to their chicks—an essential survival strategy in arid habitats. Sandgrouse are ground-dwelling and rely on their cryptic plumage to blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot. They feed primarily on seeds, often flying at dawn and dusk to access water sources. Their soft, rhythmic calls are a familiar sound in desert landscapes, often heard before the birds themselves are seen. Despite their adaptations, habitat loss and hunting pose threats to some sandgrouse species. However, their resilience and remarkable survival skills ensure that these desert dwellers continue to thrive in some of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth.