Rhinoptilus cinctus
The Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus) is a medium-sized, slender ground-dwelling bird with remarkably cryptic plumage, belonging to the family Glareolidae, which includes coursers and pratincoles. Measuring about 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length with a wingspan of roughly 48-52 cm (19-20.5 inches) and weighing 90-120 grams (3.2-4.2 oz), it possesses long, pale yellow legs and prominent, large dark eyes adapted for its crepuscular and nocturnal habits. Its most distinctive field marks...
Primarily inhabits dry, open woodlands, savannas, and arid scrublands, often with scattered trees and bare ground, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Feeds primarily on insects, including beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers, captured by gleaning them from the ground while walking or running.
Three-banded Coursers are largely crepuscular and nocturnal, spending daylight hours resting motionless, relying on their exceptional camouflage. They forage by running short bursts and then pausing to scan the ground, rapidly picking up insects with their short, plover-like bill. Territorial beh...
The Three-banded Courser exhibits a discontinuous distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing several distinct populations. Its range extends from parts of northeastern Africa, including Ethiopia and Somalia, south through East Africa in Kenya and Tanzania, and across central and souther...
Least Concern
- The Three-banded Courser is primarily nocturnal, making it much more often heard than seen, especially during the breeding season. - Its intricate sandy-brown plumage, complemented by its 'frozen' posture, provides exceptional camouflage against its dry, scrubby habitats. - Despite being taxono...