Syrrhaptes
Only have three toes, unlike the usual four of other birds
Syrrhaptes is a genus of sandgrouse found in the steppes and highland arid areas of Central Asia, Tibet, and surrounding areas. The name Syrrhaptes was derived from the Greek word ‘surrhaptos’, which means “sewn together,” referring to their fused toes.
Both species are medium to large birds with small heads and necks, orange faces, and buff upper parts. Their feet lack a hind toe, while the remaining three are fused together and covered with feathers.
Typical of sandgrouse, they are gregarious and gather in flocks at watering holes. Their diet primarily consists of seeds and vegetation. Nests are in the form of a scrape on the ground where 2-3 well-camouflaged eggs are laid.
Species in this genus
Tibetan sandgrouse
Large orange-faced birds found in the cold mountains of Tibet