spotted spotted species ground dwelling bird family found arid regions northern eastern africa middle_east parts asia far east northwest india bird small flocks forage seed vegetable matter ground flying day water breeding season pairs nest apart eggs laid depression ground chicks leave nest soon hatching eat dry seed water need provided male belly feathers water spotted listed concern red list threatened species description spotted reaches length centimetres male small reddish brown surrounded band pale grey extends bill round neck collar chin neck throat orange breast grey upper parts pinkish grey dark flight feathers dark patches wings tail lower belly pale dark trailing edges fact distinguishes species crowned completely dark female orange throat region generally plumage male body colour brown spotted small dark markings dark patches wings tail lower belly central tail feathers sexes elongated extent pin tailed flying overhead dark belly stripe visible distribution habitat spotted found north_africa middle_east africa range extends morocco algeria tunisia libya egypt middle_east native saudi_arabia israel jordan syria iran iraq afghanistan range extends far pakistan north west india recorded italy turkey inhabits semi arid countryside largely resident local movement flocks population size firmly established stable bird common extensive range listed concern behaviour spotted rapid wing beat flies swiftly musical distinguishes species similar plumage spotted ground dwelling bird feeds seeds plant material finds vegetation dry habitat breeding season solitary times year flocks new feeding ground storm stimulated new green growth spotted particularly fond species concentrate foliage begins birds return normal diet seeds abundant desert floor remaining dormant state rain occurs birds wary easily frightened chief enemy falcon flies rapidly ground bird strategy bird flying high overhead sees approaching falcon gives warning freeze good camouflage unable detect flies need daily journey drinking hole kilometres feeding ground land short distance water maintain sentinel system predators nearby water safe distinctive sentinel bird sends pool daily water needs taken seconds journey undertaken dawn air cool later day air temperature reach birds inactive ability increase thermal air temperature exceeds body temperatures high temperatures resort cool night flocks fly rocky desert far away vegetation bird shallow sleeping hollow moving small mammals barren night birds safe life cycle breeding takes place hottest summer desert plain choosing nest site female trial selecting main criterion selection nature underlying rock rock heats sun provides cool spot nest desirable cover stones close chosen dense structure attracts night moisture drains soil gets absorbed rock helps nest cool day nest shallow depression ground material occasionally eggs laid eggs elongated shape buff grey brown colour shape makes difficult distinguish lying parents eggs cryptic makes invisible sitting nest eggs hatch days young covered emerge eggs soon hatched female leads chicks wind plains teaches seeds weeks fledged able fly problem supplying water solved male specially adapted belly water plumage quantity sufficient chicks following day leaves water laden feathers male repeated high pitched calls female chicks pick sounds approach means male find family moved away nest arrival assumes upright posture raises wings displaying wet belly feathers sign chicks approach stand underneath suck fluid feathers danger threatens chicks plant cover offers brown merging desert scene parents defence family approaches adult gives warning cry freeze usually enemy fails notice passes gets close parents tries lure away ground pretending injured helpless led far away adult recovers flies days chicks left parents visit water hole chicks guide cries
Spotted sandgrouse