Endemic to India, the elusive painted sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus) is named sand because of its earthy brown colours - however, it is not a grouse. It is related to pigeons and doves as can be seen by its small, pigeon-like head and neck but sturdy compact body. The painted sandgrouse is hard to spot because it is so well camouflaged in arid, rocky landscapes and it stays hidden close to the ground. It remains perfectly still, rooted to the spot until disturbed - when it takes flight. Found in pairs, the painted sandgrouse mates for life – the male showcases its attractive plumage for the female during its mating ritual. The genus name combines the Ancient Greek pteron meaning "wing" with -klēs meaning "notable" or "splendid". The specific epithet indicus is Latin for "Indian".
Painted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, maleMale and female Painted sandgrouseMale and female Painted sandgrouseMale and female Painted sandgrousePainted sandgrouseFemale Painted sandgrouseFemale Painted sandgrousePainted sandgrouse, maleFemale Painted sandgrousePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, maleFemale Painted sandgrousePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse, malePainted sandgrouse