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Sandgrouse bird flies 70 km carrying water in its feathers for chicks
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News18•19-10-2026, 22:00
Sandgrouse bird flies 70 km carrying water in its feathers for chicks
- •The Sandgrouse bird, found in the dry lands of Bundelkhand, flies 60 to 70 kilometers to fetch water for its thirsty chicks.
- •Located in Chitrakoot's Ranipur Tiger Reserve, this unique bird transports water back to its nest by soaking it in its specially structured feathers.
- •According to Wildlife Warden Govind Prasad, the bird repeatedly dips its feathers into water sources until enough liquid is retained for the journey back.
- •Upon returning to the nest, the chicks quench their thirst directly by drinking from the wet feathers of the parent bird.
- •Primarily feeding on seeds, grains, and grass blades, the Sandgrouse thrives in open grassland areas and adds to the region's rich biodiversity.
Key Questions Answered
The Sandgrouse travels 60 to 70 kilometers to find water, repeatedly dips its feathers to retain water due to their special structure, and then flies back to the nest so its chicks can drink from the wet feathers.
The Sandgrouse is found in the Ranipur Tiger Reserve, located in the Manikpur Patha region of Chitrakoot within the hot and dry Bundelkhand area.
According to Govind Prasad, the Wildlife Warden of Ranipur Tiger Reserve, the Sandgrouse generally feeds on seeds, grains, and blades of grass.
