A Study and Review of the Common Indian Sandgrouse and the Imperial Sandgrouse

摘要

The report summarizes the taxonomy and distribution of the sandgrouse family (Pteroclididae) in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Two representatives, the common Indian sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus hindustan) and the imperial or black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) are singled out for detailed consideration because trial releases of these into the western United States have been made or are contemplated. Topics covered include descriptions, habitats, climatic requirements, food and water, general habits, effect of predation, reproductive capacity, and diseases and parasites. Also considered are their relation to agriculture and to other game species together with notes on the breeding, rearing, and trapping of these sandgrouse. (Author)