Syrrhaptes

Taxobox
name = "Syrrhaptes"

---

image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Pteroclidiformes
familia = Pteroclididae
genus = "Syrrhaptes"
genus_authority = Illiger, 1811
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Syrrhaptes tibetanus"
"Syrrhaptes paradoxus"

"Syrrhaptes" is a genus of birds in the sandgrouse family. It comprises two central Asian species.

* 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.

References

* "Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse" by Madge and McGowan, ISBN 0-7136-3966-0