Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse

     The Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse is a Sandgrouse species, which is named after Martin Lichtenstein (a German physician, botanist and zoologist). This species has a large and disjunct distribution, ranging from North and central Africa to the Middle East and parts of Iran and Pakistan.

     The distinctive plumage of the Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse gives it the camouflage protection it needs in the exposed open habitat it prefers. Both sexes are heavily marked with black and brown, but the male has black and white bands on the forecrown, and a buff breast with a double black band. The Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse has also a patch of yellow skin around its eyes, and uniform grey under wings.

     The Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse closely resembles its cousin, the Four-Banded Sandgrouse, but the barring in the Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse is more intense in both sexes. Also, male Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse differ in having barred throats, and a single black band that separates the breast area. There are 5 subspecies for the Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse that differ mainly in the overall coloration and the width of the underparts barring.

     The breeding season of the Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse isn’t the same in the different areas the bird inhabits. For example; it has been recorded that a female was incubating her eggs in May in Oman, and a breeding pair has been found in July in the UAE. The female Lichtenstein’s sandgrouse lays 2 – 3 eggs, and both sexes incubate the eggs, then rear the chicks till they become independent.

 

Place of originNorth and Central Africa, the Middle East, Iran & Pakistan
UsePreservation
Weight

Male: 175 – 250 g

female: 190 – 230 g

Egg colorRosy-cream with pinkish dots

 

6 9 - Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
The male Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse by Nik Borrow
11 - Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
The male Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse by Steve Garvie
9 1 - Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
The female Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse by Steve Garvie
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A couple of Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse by Nik Borrow