Double-banded Sandgrouse

Afrikaans name: Dubbelbandsandpatrys

A pair of Double-banded Sandgrouse with the male at the back

Photo © Steven Herbert

Pterocles bicinctus

Double-banded Sandgrouse behaviour

The Double-banded Sandgrouse is normally seen sitting on the ground in areas of short grass or even on dirt roads. Keep an eye out for them along the edge of dirt roads in Kruger National Park. They are normally seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small flocks. In some area’s large flocks head to water at dusk.

Double-banded Sandgrouse appearance

These birds are around 25 cm in length and weight between 215 and 250 grams. Their spotted plumage blends in well with their surroundings. The male Double-banded Sandgrouse has black and white bars on its forehead and a chestnut throat.

Double-banded Sandgrouse diet

Their diet consists entirely of seeds, particularly from trees such as the Acacias. They mainly feed in the early morning and evening but are also known to feed at night when there is sufficient moonlight.

Double-banded Sandgrouse breeding

In South Africa their breeding season is predominantly between May and July. The nest is a mere scrape in the ground amongst some grass. A bit of dry plant material is added as lining. Normally the female lays 3 eggs but sometimes she only lays 2. The pair share the incubation duties with the female taking the night shift and the male the dayshift. Both parents tend to the chicks.

Double-banded Sandgrouse distribution and habitat

The South African distribution of these sandgrouse is a clear band, from coast to coast, across the northern parts of the country. Their preferred habitats are dry bushveld, savanna and other areas with scrub as well as rocky hillsides.

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Double-banded Sandgrouse male

Below - Double-banded Sandgrouse female

Photo © Steven Herbert

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	310	Nyctiperdix bicinctus bicinctus
2nd	310	Pterocles bicinctus
3rd	310	Pterocles bicinctus
4th	310	Pterocles bicinctus
5th	347	Pterocles bicinctus
6th	347	Pterocles bicinctus
7th	229	Pterocles bicinctus

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	310	Double-banded Sandgrouse
2nd	310	Double-banded Sandgrouse
3rd	310	Double-banded Sandgrouse
4th	310	Double-banded Sandgrouse
5th	347	Doublebanded Sandgrouse
6th	347	Doublebanded Sandgrouse
7th	229	Double-banded Sandgrouse

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	310	Dubbelband-sandpatrys
2nd	310	Dubbelband-sandpatrys
3rd	310	Dubbelband-sandpatrys
4th	310	Dubbelband-sandpatrys
5th	347	Dubbelbandsandpatrys
6th	347	Dubbelbandsandpatrys
7th	229	Dubbelbandsandpatrys

References and further reading

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 220

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 118

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 125

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 102

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 212

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 297

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 301

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 221

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 102

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 165

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 214

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 194

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 194

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 148

Gamebirds and Waterfowl of Southern Africa - Author: CG Finch-Davies, Dr Alan Kemp - Published: 1986 - Page: 165

Gamebirds of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: P.A. Clancey - Published: 1967 - Page: 189

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 76

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 169

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 38

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 54

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 113

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 78

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 117

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 140

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 117

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds