Key Identification Features
- The primaries are pale with dark trailing edges, a feature that distinguishes this species from the crowned sandgrouse (Pterocles coronatus), which has completely dark primaries.
- gutturalis, written descriptions of these rituals are scarce and inconsistent compared to what is known for other sandgrouse species.
- As its common name suggests, males are easily identified by black face markings that run from the forehead down to the throat.
- Males also have distinct black and white eyebrow stripes above each eye, a pinkish-orange bill, and a yellow eye-ring that contrasts against their black facial plumage.
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