LATIN NAME: Cursorius rufus
AFRIKAANS NAME: Bloukopdrawwertjie
LENGTH: 20-22 cm
WEIGHT: 80-95 g
Introduction:
Endemic to SW Africa. Paler than Temminck’s Courser, with blue-grey hindcrown and nape. White supercillium that froms “V” on nape. Black band separates rufous forebelly from white vent. Underwing coverts are rufous.
Habitat:
Dry, sparsely grassed plains and open fields.
Diet:
Insectivorous and feeds only in daylight.
Behaviour:
Moves in pairs or family groups during breeding season. When disturbed will run away rather than fly. Forages using pause-travel technique, running 6-10 steps before stopping and searching for food.
Nesting:
Monogamous and solitary breeder. No nest. Eggs laid on bare, open ground.
Call:
Short grating kok-kok and chuk-chuk notes
Migration:
Uncommon nomad and intra-African migrant.
Similar species:
Temminck’s Courser, but separated by blue hind crown instead of rufous.
Distribution:
North western parts of the Eastern Cape.