The sandgrouse (Pteroclididae) are a family of 16 bird species, the only living members of the order Pteroclidiformes. Sandgrouse and true Grouse are not at all closely related - superficial similarities with the true Grouse are the result of convergent evolution.

They are restricted to treeless open country in the Old World, such as plains and semi-deserts. They are distributed across northern, southern and eastern Africa as well as Madagascar; the Middle East, India through to central Asia; and the Iberian Peninsula.

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon-like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. The plumage is cryptic, an adaptation to feeding on the ground for long hours in open terrain. The plumage varies considerably amongst the sexes. The feathers of the belly are specially adapted to absorbing water and retaining it, allowing adult birds, particularly males, to carry water to chicks that may be many miles away from watering holes.