Image via Macaulay Library
Painted Sandgrouse
- Scientific name
- Pterocles indicus
- Family
- Pteroclidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The Painted Sandgrouse, Pterocles indicus, is a ground-dwelling bird native to the rocky, arid scrublands of the Indian subcontinent. It was formally described by the French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1819, emerging from an era of intense European cataloging of South Asian fauna. Its biology is finely tuned to its environment, characterized by cryptic, mottled plumage that allows it to remain virtually invisible against the stony terrain it frequents.
The species is noted for its distinctive broad wing shape and rounded tail, physical adaptations that facilitate short, rapid bursts of flight when disturbed. Ornithological studies emphasize its reliance on communal water holes, where males utilize their specialized, absorbent belly feathers to soak up water and transport it back to their nestlings. This behavior has long fascinated naturalists, serving as a primary case study in avian water-retention adaptations within desert ecosystems.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Painted Sandgrouse
Painted Sandgrouse is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Painted Sandgrouse on collecto.rs?
Painted Sandgrouse doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Painted Sandgrouse?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Painted Sandgrouse catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Painted Sandgrouse is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
