Common name: Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Scientific name: Pterocles exustus
Family: Pteroclidae

Size:
Body length: 30–33 cm
Wingspan: 48–55 cm
Weight: 180–250 g

Identification:
A medium-sized desert bird with a compact, streamlined body. It shows mottled sandy-brown upperparts that blend perfectly with desert terrain. The most distinctive feature is the rich chestnut belly, especially visible in males. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is relatively short. In flight, it appears fast and direct, often in tight flocks.

Habitat:
Arid and semi-arid environments including deserts, gravel plains, and dry scrublands. Typically found in open areas with sparse vegetation.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident. Widely distributed across desert habitats and frequently observed near water sources.

Diet:
Herbivorous — feeds mainly on seeds, grains, and small desert plants.

Behavior:
Highly social, often seen in flocks. Regularly visits water sources at dawn and dusk. Males are known for carrying water in specialized belly feathers to provide for chicks. Fast, direct flight and strong group cohesion are characteristic.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)