Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse

     The Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse is a species of Sandgrouse found in sparse, bushy, arid land which is common in central and northern Africa, and southern Asia. Generally, these birds possess a plain-pale plumage, which provides a wonderful camouflage against the arid habitats, where it lives.

     The Chestnut-Bellied sandgrouse has dark underwings, which are visible in flight, and a blackish lower-belly. It has also a a pale green circle around its eyes, and a chestnut upper-belly, after which it’s named. Male Chestnut-Bellied sandgrouse are somewhat drabber than females, with paler brown backs and narrower chest bands. While the females are easily identifiable with their more elaborate, mottled backs and bellies. There are 6 subspecies for the Chestnut-Bellied sandgrouse that mainly vary in the coloration of the upperparts, and the place of findings.

     The breeding season of the Chestnut-Bellied sandgrouse is heavily influenced by the level of local rainfall. But generally it occurs sometime between January and July. The nests of Chestnut-Bellied sandgrouse are usually simple scrapes in the ground which hold 3 eggs per each. These eggs are incubated for about 23 days by both parents, and the chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching. They learn feeding techniques from their parents, and stay with their parents till they become fully independent.