Black-bellied
Sandgrouse

Black-bellied Sandgrouse

The black-bellied sandgrouse is a medium large bird breeds on dry open plains and similar habitats, but avoids areas completely lacking in vegetation. Its nest is a ground scrape into which three greenish eggs with cryptic markings are laid. Both sexes incubate, but only the male brings water.

The black-bellied sandgrouse is 15 in long and weighs 600 gms. The male has a grey head, neck, and breast. The underparts are black and the upperparts are golden-brown with darker markings. There is a thin black border around the lower breast, and a chestnut throat patch. The female has browner, more finely marked upperparts, including the head and the breast. The underparts and breast band are identical to the male.

Imperial Sandgrouse

Regional Names

• Hindi:
  शाही भट तीतर

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