There is a unique romance to sandgrouse. They seem almost of another time, in a different age. Gentle in expression, urgent in their movements, and exhibiting elegant contours, if you are next to someone when they spot sandgrouse, you are compelled to turn and behold them. Part of their mystique involves the exotic or desolate destinations that one must go to find them. 
 
With sixteen species worldwide, the sandgrouse family Pteroclidae is widespread across Africa, the Middle East, from India into central Asia, with even some found in parts of Europe. Like cranes, bee-eaters, pittas and even other groups, sandgrouse have fans amongst birders who make it a goal to try and see as many as possible. All species frequent open country. At home in steppes, savannahs, and at the margins of the desert, they make use of agricultural areas at times too, and each has the capacity to cover vast distances in short order. Seldom solo, mostly they are in small flocks and usually they are heard before they're seen. Their startling coos, playful barks and abrupt hiccups are heard as they rocket past overhead. Moving crisply and quickly, like a small group of doves or shorebirds, they seek areas with seeds or watering holes. Most species drink at dawn, but a few choose to tank up at dusk, or during mid-morning, instead. Knowing their drinking spots and habits is a key to finding them.
 
This month's feature is the Namaqua Sandgrouse, a species that is regular on our ever-popular South Africa tours and also on Rockjumper's exceptional Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls tours. With Father's Day only just in the rear-view, we thought a sandgrouse would be a good choice as within the bird world, male sandgrouse are often thought of as being good Dads. Sandgrouse chicks hatch and are precocial, meaning they have down and can move around and feed themselves, almost upon hatching (compared to altricial birds that hatch naked and are dependent upon their parents for food). Males and females share incubation duties. Nests are little more than a "scrape" in the sand or dirt, and usually are not very near to water. Unlike some desert birds that are able to get the water they need from their food, sandgrouse must drink water to stay hydrated. Once the young hatch it's the father who brings them water and it's his manner of delivering it that is so fascinating. Males have specialized downy feathers in their chest that allow them to soak up and carry 25 ml (~1 fluid ounce) against their body within their plumage, as they fly back to the nest, where the young then sip at it. A tender and necessary act from a gentle-looking bird in a bleak and unforgiving landscape.
 
Between the falcons who stalk the skies for them and the beating of the relentless Sun, it is no wonder that sandgrouse always seem so urgent, pursued, and wary. Sharing time with them in the field is special. We hope to share that with you soon. Remember to consider Rockjumper's limited time special offer ongoing now. Put down 40%+ of your tour fee and you can save big on your next trip, while also benefiting the guide of that trip. Maybe we'll be fortunate and see some sandgrouse.
 
Best in Birding,
Team Rockjumper