Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) **

The Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) is a hardy bird adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, commonly found in deserts, scrublands, and dry grasslands. It is well known for its striking chestnut-colored underparts, mottled brown plumage, and streamlined body, which provides excellent camouflage against sandy terrain. These birds are highly gregarious, often seen in flocks near water sources, where they drink in the early morning and late afternoon. Males have a unique ability to soak up water in their belly feathers to transport it back to their young. Their diet mainly consists of seeds and small vegetation, making them well-adapted to the harsh desert landscape. The Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse is a resident species in parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, and is frequently observed in open, dry landscapes with scattered vegetation.

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