A resident steppe species, whose stronghold in Portugal is the Plains of the Alentejo, Black-bellied Sandgrouse are extremely shy, cautious and liable to spook if they feel at all threatened. Coupled to this of course they have amazing camouflage and this makes them incredibly difficult to find or obtain good views.
If this species is on your "Wish List" and you haven't already done so, now is a good time to explore the possibility of booking a guide with detailed knowledge of this magnificent area!
In flight they are distinctive having a deep bellied appearance, (somewhat similar to a Wood Pigeon), usually in pairs or in a small group, straight and level with a fast purposeful wing-beat. Their proximity is often known from their burbling call which carries long distances but whose direction is difficult to pin-point. They prefer short grass bordered with ploughed land.
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