Burchell's Sandgrouse

Afrikaans name: Gevlekte sandpatrys

Burchell's Sandgrouse

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Pterocles burchelli

Burchell's Sandgrouse behaviour

The Burchell’s Sandgrouse is also known as the Spotted Sandgrouse and the reason for that is clear when you glance at the photos. They can be found in pairs or small flocks. Interestingly these birds don’t always take to the air when disturbed. Often, they creep away from the source of possible danger or just crouch down and rely on their camouflage to keep them safe.

Burchell's Sandgrouse appearance

The sandgrouse are around 25 cm in length with males being slightly bigger than females. They have longer legs, than the other species of sandgrouse in the region. Male and female look the same other than the colour of the feathers on their faces: females are yellowish while males are greyer.

Burchell's Sandgrouse diet

Seeds form the major portion of their diet, particularly those from legumes such as the Red Pea.

Burchell's Sandgrouse breeding

Pairs make a simple nest, which is a scrape on the ground, next to some vegetation. The nest is lined with dry plant material. Nesting takes place in winter and normally three eggs are laid. Both parents tend to the eggs and chicks.

Burchell's Sandgrouse distribution and habitat

Burchell's Sandgrouse is found in the drier areas of Botswana and South Africa, but it is absent from the really arid areas along the west coast. They tend to be found in areas where there is food and water present and may stay there until these become unavailable. They lead a nomadic life following the availability of food and water.

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	308	Calopterocles burchelli burchelli
2nd	308	Pterocles burchelli
3rd	308	Pterocles burchelli
4th	308	Pterocles burchelli
5th	345	Pterocles burchelli
6th	345	Pterocles burchelli
7th	230	Pterocles burchelli

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	308	Spotted Sandgrouse
2nd	308	Spotted Sandgrouse
3rd	308	Spotted Sandgrouse
4th	308	Spotted Sandgrouse
5th	345	Burchell’s Sandgrouse
6th	345	Burchell’s Sandgrouse
7th	230	Burchell’s Sandgrouse

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	308	Sandpatrys
2nd	308	Sandpatrys
3rd	308	Gevlekte Sandpatrys
4th	308	Gevlekte Sandpatrys
5th	345	Gevlekte Sandpatrys
6th	345	Gevlekte Sandpatrys
7th	230	Gevlekte Sandpatrys

References and further reading

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

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

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

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

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 295

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 220

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 299

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 213

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

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

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 164

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - 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: 161

Gamebirds of Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: P.A. Clancey - Published: 1967 - Page: 180

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 118

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 112

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

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 118

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

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds