The Namaqua sandgrouse, is a species of ground-dwelling bird in the sandgrouse family. It is found in arid regions of south-western Africa.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across arid and semi-arid zones including the Namib margins, Namaqualand, the Karoo, and the Kalahari. Prefers open gravel plains, sandy flats, and sparse shrublands with scattered grasses. Often found within flying distance of reliable water sources and frequents stock dams and natural pans. Avoids dense vegetation and steep mountains but may range over agricultural stubbles after rains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males soak special belly feathers at waterholes and fly long distances to deliver water to downy chicks—a classic sandgrouse adaptation to desert life. Flocks commute at high speed to drink, often in the early morning, and their whirring wings are audible before they arrive. They are highly cryptic on the ground and rely on camouflage and stillness to avoid predators.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Chick being guarded by a female bird
Temperament
gregarious but wary
Flight Pattern
strong, fast and direct with rapid, whirring wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks, especially when commuting to waterholes at dawn. Breeds in dispersed pairs that scrape a shallow nest on open ground, usually with minimal lining. Chicks are precocial and follow parents soon after hatching; males ferry water in belly feathers to hydrate them.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are ringing, far-carrying, two- to three-note whistles given in flight and around waterholes. Calls have a clear, bell-like quality and are used to keep contact in commuting flocks.
Plumage
Intricately mottled and barred sandy-brown plumage that blends with desert substrates; sleek, compact body with pointed wings and elongated central tail feathers. Sexes differ, with males showing cleaner, warmer tones and a crisper facial pattern, females more heavily barred and cryptic.
Diet
Primarily granivorous, taking small, hard seeds from grasses and desert forbs. Also consumes buds and green shoots when available, and occasionally small grit to aid digestion. Adults require daily access to water in many parts of their range and time their movements accordingly.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open, sparsely vegetated ground, gravel flats, and sandy plains where seeds are accessible. Will also forage along track edges, around livestock pens, and on post-rainfall flushes in semi-arid farmland.
