The Madagascar sandgrouse is a species of bird in the family Pteroclidae. It is endemic to Madagascar and is a ground-dwelling short-legged plump bird. The head of the male is brown with a black area surrounding the beak. It has a pinkish-buff coloured breast, a light brown mottled back, brown wings and paler underparts barred with dark brown. The female has a generally duller appearance being cryptically coloured brown with dark specks and bars.
Region
Madagascar (south and southwest)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the island’s southern and southwestern semi-arid zones, favoring spiny thicket, dry scrub, and open stony or sandy plains. Often found near ephemeral water sources and sparsely vegetated savannas. Roosts and nests on the ground in open areas with good visibility. Uses camouflage and stillness to remain undetected, moving to water at crepuscular hours.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This ground-dwelling sandgrouse is superbly camouflaged against Madagascar’s arid scrub and gravel plains. Like other sandgrouse, males have specialized belly feathers that can absorb and transport water to chicks at the nest. They typically visit waterholes at dawn and dusk in swift, purposeful flights. Pairs and small groups rely on stillness and cryptic plumage to avoid predators.
Family group with young
Temperament
wary and cryptic
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with strong, pointed wings
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups; nests are simple ground scrapes with minimal lining. Both parents attend the brood, and males ferry water to chicks using specially structured belly feathers. Breeding coincides with periods of food availability after rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, far-carrying calls, typically given in flight at dawn and dusk. Notes are mellow, repeated, and can sound pigeon-like over distance.
