Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Pterocliformes
• Family: Pteroclidae
• Genus: Pterocles
• Species: Pterocles indicus

The Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus) is a member of the sandgrouse family Pteroclidae, known for its terrestrial nature, cryptic plumage, and desert-adapted physiology. It is found primarily in dry, rocky, and arid regions across India and parts of South Asia.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 30–33 cm in length
• Wingspan: Around 55–60 cm
• Weight: 200–300 grams
• Plumage: The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, where males and females have different coloration.
• Male Features:
  • Brightly colored plumage with chestnut, black, and white bands
  • Yellow to orange bill
  • Distinctive white eye-ring and forehead patch
  • Dark belly and finely streaked upperparts
• Female Features:
  • More camouflaged, with mottled sandy-brown plumage to blend with arid environments
  • Lacks the distinct bands seen in males

Habitat & Distribution

The Painted Sandgrouse prefers:

• Dry scrublands, rocky plateaus, and semi-arid regions
• Open grasslands with scattered bushes and sparse vegetation
• Coastal and riverine landscapes with sandy or pebbly soil

It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, primarily found in:

• Northwestern, central, and peninsular India
• Parts of Pakistan
• Southern Nepal and Bangladesh

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban is not the typical habitat for the Painted Sandgrouse, as it prefers dry, arid regions over mangrove forests. However, some rare sightings have been reported in:

• Peripheral areas of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, where dry grasslands exist
• Open sandy patches and riverbanks near the Sundarbans’ western edge
• Occasionally, it may be seen foraging in drier inland zones adjoining the Sundarban

Why is it Rare in the Sundarban?

• The humid, swampy mangrove terrain does not align with the bird’s preference for arid, rocky landscapes.
• The high moisture levels of the Sundarban do not support the dust-bathing behavior of the sandgrouse.
• The Painted Sandgrouse primarily relies on freshwater sources found in drier zones, whereas the Sundarban is a saline-dominated ecosystem.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Painted Sandgrouse is a granivorous bird, feeding mainly on:

• Seeds of grasses and small shrubs
• Grains and dry vegetation
• Small insects (occasionally, especially during breeding season)

Foraging Strategy

• It is crepuscular, meaning it forages mostly during early morning and late evening to avoid extreme heat.
• Uses its cryptic plumage to blend into the surroundings while feeding.
• Visits water sources at dawn and dusk to drink, sometimes traveling long distances to find fresh water.

Breeding & Nesting

• Breeding Season: Typically November to April, depending on rainfall and food availability.
• Nesting Sites:
  • Prefers bare ground with small depressions or shallow scrapes.
  • Often nests in rocky terrain or sandy patches, camouflaging eggs with surroundings.
• Eggs: Lays 2–3 eggs per clutch, with earthy tones for natural camouflage.
• Parental Care:
  • Both male and female share incubation duties.
  • Chicks are precocial, meaning they can walk and follow their parents soon after hatching.

Special Adaptations

1. Water Conservation Ability:
   • Can survive without direct water intake for long periods by obtaining moisture from seeds.
   • Unlike other birds, Painted Sandgrouse absorbs water in its feathers to transport it back to chicks.
2. Camouflage Plumage:
   • The mottled sand-colored plumage helps it blend into dry landscapes, protecting it from predators.
3. Strong Wing Muscles:
   • Despite being a ground-dwelling bird, it has powerful wings, allowing rapid, direct flight when disturbed.
4. Nocturnal Drinking Behavior:
   • Visits water bodies only at twilight to avoid predation and excessive dehydration in hot climates.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Habitat Loss due to land-use changes, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment
• Hunting & Trapping for food in some rural areas
• Climate Change causing alterations in arid and semi-arid ecosystems
• Predation by raptors, jackals, and wild cats

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Despite facing localized threats, the Painted Sandgrouse population is stable, owing to its wide range and adaptability. However, conservation of dry and semi-arid landscapes is crucial for ensuring its long-term survival.

Conclusion

The Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus) is a terrestrial bird uniquely adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Though not a resident species of the Sundarban, occasional sightings in adjacent dry regions highlight the biodiversity variations near the mangrove ecosystem. Protecting its preferred dry habitats is essential for maintaining healthy populations in India.