Sandgrouse

Comments

Glasgow Museums has a collection of eight sandgrouse specimens, which date from 1881 to 1982.

This collection includes six mounts and two skins, representing three species – the double-banded sandgrouse (Eremialector bicinctus), the pin-tailed sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata) and Pallas's sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus).

About sandgrouse
The sandgrouse family (Pteroclididae) were formerly regarded as part of the pigeon and dove family (Columbiformes). They are now considered a separate group, between waders and pigeons. There are 16 species, mainly found in treeless areas of Africa, Central Asia and the Iberian Peninsula, usually in desert or semi-desert areas. The feathers on their bellies are specially adapted to absorb water, which they can carry long distances to their young. They occasionally appear in Britain, and the collection includes some examples from Aberdeenshire.

Broader term

Birds

Staff Contact

Robyn Haggard

Key Objects

Key Objects