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Sandgrouse

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iSandgrouse

Image:Syrrhaptes paradoxus.jpg

Pallas's Sandgrouse

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Pteroclidiformes
Family:	Pteroclididae Bonaparte, 1831

Genera

Pterocles
Syrrhaptes

Sandgrouse is also the name of the journal of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East - see Sandgrouse (journal)

The sandgrouse are a group of 16 near passerine bird species in the order Pteroclidiformes. They are restricted to treeless open country in the Old World, such as plains and semi-deserts.

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk.

Legs are feathered down to the toes, and genus Syrrhaptes has the toes feathered as well.

Two to three eggs are laid directly on the ground. They are buff or greenish with cryptic markings. Most species are resident, but Pallas's Sandgrouse is eruptive.

Sandgrouse are traditionally placed in two genera. Two central Asian species in Syrrhaptes, and the rest in Pterocles, but recent research casts some doubt on this division.