The Indian courser is a species of courser found in mainland South Asia, mainly in the plains bounded by the Ganges and Indus river system. Like other coursers, it is a ground bird that can be found in small groups as they forage for insects in dry open semi-desert country.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies dry open country including semi-desert plains, sparsely vegetated scrub, fallow fields, and stony alluvial flats. Prefers areas with extensive bare ground and short, patchy grasses where it can run and forage in clear view. Often uses dry riverbeds and lightly grazed pastures. Avoids tall vegetation and dense cultivation but may feed along field margins.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Indian courser is a swift runner adapted to open, stony plains where it relies on camouflage and speed rather than dense cover. Its name ‘courser’ comes from the Latin currere, meaning ‘to run’. Eggs are laid in a simple scrape on bare ground and are cryptically speckled to match surrounding pebbles. After rains, they often gather where termites emerge to take advantage of abundant prey.
At Keoladeo National Park
Temperament
wary and fast-running
Flight Pattern
low, swift flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small parties while foraging across open ground. Nests on the ground in a shallow scrape, typically laying two speckled eggs; both sexes share incubation and chick care. Displays distraction behavior to draw predators away from nests. Generally monogamous within the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Usually quiet, giving soft piping whistles and short trills. Sharp, ringing calls are uttered in flight or when alarmed, carrying well across open plains.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with a rich rufous crown and breast, pale buff underparts, and darker flight feathers. The face shows a striking pattern with a bold white supercilium meeting on the forehead and a contrasting black eye-stripe. Throat white; undertail buff to rufous; tail short. Feathers are smooth and sleek, enhancing a streamlined, ground-running profile.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other small arthropods. Prey is taken from the ground by rapid pecking as the bird runs and pauses. After rainfall, it exploits insect emergences, especially termites. It may occasionally take small snails or other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare or sparsely vegetated ground, including stony flats, fallow fields, and dry riverbeds. Frequently uses field edges and open scrub where visibility is high and cover is minimal.
