Region

North Africa and the Middle East

Typical Environment

Occurs across the Sahara and surrounding deserts from Morocco and Western Sahara through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, east into the Sinai, Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula, reaching parts of Iraq and Iran. It favors open, arid landscapes such as gravel and stony deserts (hamada), dune margins, and sparsely vegetated plains. The species also uses dry wadis and steppe-like semidesert where seed-bearing plants persist after rains. Highly mobile within its range, it undertakes local nomadic movements tracking recent rainfall and seed availability. Regular visits to waterholes are essential, especially in the breeding season.

Altitude Range

0–2500 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Temperament

wary and alert, gregarious at waterholes

Flight Pattern

fast, direct flight with rapid, whirring wingbeats; strong long-distance flier

Social Behavior

Often forms small to large flocks when commuting to water or feeding. Pairs are typically monogamous, nesting on a simple ground scrape with minimal lining. Clutches are usually two eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and brood care. Adults transport water to chicks using specialized absorbent belly feathers.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are carrying, nasal and rolling calls, often heard as flocks approach water: a repeated kek-kek-kek or kirr-rru. Calls serve to coordinate group movements and maintain contact in flight. At rest, they give softer, chattering notes.