- Syrrhaptes paradoxus
Identification
30-41cm long, buff plumage, barred above, a black belly patch and pale underwings. The male has a grey head and breast, orange face and grey breast band. The female lacks the breast band, has more barring on the upperparts and is duller. The legs and toes are feathered.
Similar Species
The black belly and pale underwing distinguish this species from the related Tibetan Sandgrouse.
Distribution
Central Asia.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Dry steppes and similar habitats.
Behaviour
Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk.
This species is famous for large influxes into Western Europe in the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. During these breeding occurred as far west as England.
Breeding
Its nest is a ground scrape into which 2-3 greenish eggs with cryptic markings are laid.
