SANDGROUSE 123 



SANDGROUSE. 



The Sandgrouse (Family Pteroclidce) are represented 

 in South Africa by four species, falling under two genera. 

 They are characterised by a small beak devoid of a cere, 

 and the legs are feathered to the junction with the 

 toes. 



There are three species of Pterocles which are im- 

 mediately distinguishable from the single member of the 

 genus Pteroclurus by the tail feathers being rounded, 

 whereas the latter bird has the two centre feathers 

 pointed and projecting beyond the others. They lay 

 two or three eggs on the bare ground, where the pro- 

 tective coloration of the eggs renders them difficult of 

 detection. 



The Variegated Sandgrouse (Pterocles variegatus), 

 called the Geele Patrijs (Yellow Partridge) by the Boers, 

 can easily be recognised by the small rounded spots of 

 white which adorn the back and breast. 



It is not found South of the Orange River nor West 

 of the Western Transvaal. 



The Yellow-Throated Sandgrouse (P. gutturalis), the 

 Nacht Patrijs (Night Partridge) of the Boers, is without 

 the white spotting characteristic of the first species, but 

 has the under tail-coverts of a plain dark chestnut, which 

 renders it easily recognisable from the following species, 

 which has the under tail-coverts thickly barred with 

 black. 



This bird ranges from Little Namaqualand to the 

 Central Transvaal. 



The Double-banded Sandgrouse (P. bicinctus) has the 

 forehead and a band across the forepart of the head 

 white, divided by a black stripe; and has the additional 

 characteristic above mentioned of the barred tail-coverts. 



