Madagascar Sandgrouse Pterocles personatus

Brownish bird that is shaped like a large dove. Male has a black front and plain wing with three black bars; female has fine black markings across the back. Long pointed wings power high direct flight. Found in dry, open habitats in western Madagascar, at low and middle elevations. Feeds in open fields, and makes long flights every day to traditional drinking spots, which are often visited with great punctuality. Call is an odd dry chuckling, given frequently in flight.