Syrrhaptes

Syrrhaptes is a genus of birds in the sandgrouse family.


 * Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes gutturalis 
 * Crowned Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes coronatus 
 * Madagascan Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes personatus 
 * Spotted Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes senegallus 
 * Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes exustus
 * Namaqua Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes namaqua
 * Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes orientalis 
 * Tibetan Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes tibetanus
 * Pallas's Sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes paradoxus

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.

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.