Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse

Pterocles lichtensteinii

Sandgrouse · Pterocliformes · Rare

The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse (Pterocles lichtensteinii) is a rare sandgrouse found in 15 countries, weighing about 209 g. Lichtenstein's sandgrouse is a species of sandgrouse in the family Pteroclidae.

Least ConcernRareEats seedsgrasslandscrape nest209 g

About the Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse

Lichtenstein's sandgrouse is a species of sandgrouse in the family Pteroclidae. It is named after the German naturalist Martin Lichtenstein. A small, closely barred bird of stony deserts and arid hills, it ranges across northern and eastern Africa, the Middle East and south-western Asia to Pakistan. It is nomadic and mostly nocturnal, drinking before dawn and after dusk.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

Lichtenstein's sandgrouse is a small, stocky sandgrouse about 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weighing 175–250 g (6.2–8.8 oz). It lacks the elongated central tail feathers of some other sandgrouse, and both sexes are closely barred blackish on a buff ground, above and below.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in Morocco.

When to see it

The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse?
Lichtenstein's sandgrouse is a small, stocky sandgrouse about 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weighing 175–250 g (6.2–8.8 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse?
The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse is a medium sized bird weighing about 209 g.
Where can you see a Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse?
The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse occurs in 15 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Kenya, Oman and Ethiopia.
What birds look similar to a Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse?
The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse is most easily confused with the Spotted Sandgrouse, the Painted Sandgrouse and the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse.
Is the Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse endangered?
The Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse for real

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