The chestnut-bellied sandgrouse or common sandgrouse is a species of sandgrouse. It is a sedentary and nomadic species that ranges from northern and central Africa and further east towards western and southern Asia. There are six recognized subspecies.
Region
North and East Africa to South Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Sahel and Nile regions across the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula to Iran, Pakistan, and India. Prefers open, dry habitats such as semi-desert, stony plains, sandy scrub, and sparsely vegetated agricultural fallows. Typically keeps close to reliable water sources, visiting them daily. Nests on the ground in simple scrapes, often in very exposed terrain where camouflage is essential.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse are hardy ground-dwellers of arid country, often seen commuting in tight flocks to waterholes at dawn and dusk. Males have specialized belly feathers that can soak up water to carry back to their downy chicks. The species is largely sedentary but can be locally nomadic following rainfall and seed availability. Six subspecies are recognized across Africa and Asia.
A male chestnut-bellied sandgrouse in flight
A male chestnut-bellied sandgrouse grounded, on the burnt ochre soils of Tsavo
A pair (male in the foreground, female behind) showing the sexual dimorphism in their plumage
Chicks, like this one with its mother in India, are precocious, and leave the nest soon after hatching.
Temperament
wary but gregarious
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid whirring wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks, especially when flying to and from water sources. Pairs are generally monogamous, nesting on the ground with both sexes sharing incubation and chick care. Chicks are precocial and mobile soon after hatching, relying on camouflage and parental guidance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are ringing, repetitive notes given in flight, often carrying over long distances in open country. Typical vocalizations include a clipped, cackling or piping series that accelerates as flocks approach water.
