Smutsornis africanus
The mainly nocturnal Double-banded Courser inhabits rocky and sparsely vegetated semi-arid scrublands and grasslands as well as desert plains, where they subsist on a diet comprised of insects, particularly ants and termites. Adults weigh up to 100g and have a wingspan of about 45cm.
Double-banded Coursers are usually seen singly or in pairs, with larger groups of adults being a very rare occurrence. This species breeds throughout the year with a peak in the summer months. No nest is built and instead the well camouflaged single egg is laid directly on the ground, surrounded by pebbles, plant material or antelope droppings. Both parents take short turns to incubate the egg over a period of 3 weeks. The chick fledges when it is 5 to 6 weeks old.
The IUCN considers the conservation status of the Double-banded Courser as of least concern, with a stable population. The species occurs in two seperate parts of the African continent: one in East Africa and the other in the arid west of Southern Africa. In South Africa they are found in the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape, Free State and North West Province.
DeWetsWild 
one of my favourite birds in SA!
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Glad we could treat you then!
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Interesting distribution. I note the IUCN map shows no image… surely they could use an award winning blogger’s photos!? 😉
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I’m sure there are far better photographs available of this interesting little runner!
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Like everyone else, I love the bird’s markings.
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Welcome here, Tracy, and thanks for weighing in!
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I’ve been lurking. Beautiful photos.
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Thank you very much!
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Love the pattern on his “Cape”, pretty bird!
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Very pretty indeed, and excellent camouflage to boot!
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So THAT’S what I have seen and wondered about. Thanks!
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So glad we could help!
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It is always just fascinating to me when an animal blends so well with its surroundings.
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Perfectly designed, isn’t it P J B!?
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They are really well camouglaged to be almost invisible in their sandy, arid surroundings. Lovely photos.
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Thank you very much, Kim. Indeed, their camouflage is exceptional and it is only when they move rapidly over an open area that our eyes can easily pick them up.
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Beautiful bird. Is it fast running? In Swedish the name is, straight translated, Two-band desert runner.
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Indeed, John! Think of the road runner being chased by the coyote in those old cartoons 😉
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Congratulations on your new awards.
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Thank you very much, Rosemarie!
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I love the markings on the feathers!
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Excellent camouflage when the bird is sitting between pebbles on an open gravel plain!
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That thing looks as though it could run. What great markings!
janet
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It is our version of the road runner!
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