Syrrhaptes

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Syrrhaptes
Syrrhaptes paradoxus.jpg
Pallas's sandgrouse
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pterocliformes
Family: Pteroclidae
Genus: Syrrhaptes
Illiger, 1811
Species

Syrrhaptes tibetanus
Syrrhaptes paradoxus

Syrrhaptes is a genus of birds in the sandgrouse family. The genus name is from Ancient Greek surrhaptos, "sewn together"; the feathered toes of birds in this genus are fused together.[1]

There are two central Asian species.

Image Scientific name Common Name Distribution
Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes Tibetanus.jpg Syrrhaptes tibetanus Tibetan sandgrouse mountains ranges of Central Asia, Tibet, Central China and the Himalayas
Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Ján Svetlík).jpg Syrrhaptes paradoxus Pallas's sandgrouse Kazakhstan, Mongolia, across Europe as far west as Great Britain

These are large birds breeding in open steppes or plateau. They nest in a ground scrape into which three eggs are laid.

Both species have mainly buff upperparts, an orange face and feathered legs and toes. They are smaller-headed than other sandgrouse, but have sturdy compact bodies.

The small feet lack a hind toe, and the three front toes are fused together. The upper surface is feathered, and the underneath has a fleshy pad. The appearance of the foot is more like a paw than an avian foot.[2]

Although there is range overlap, they are easily distinguished. Tibetan sandgrouse has a white belly and black underwings, whereas Pallas's has a black belly and white underwings.

These birds are gregarious like other sandgrouse. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk, on long pointed wings.

References[]

  1. ^ Jobling, James A (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. p. 376. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4.
  2. ^ van Grouw, Katrina (2012). Unfeathered Bird. Princeton University Press. pp. 242–243. ISBN 978-0691151342.
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