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Pteroclididae - sandgrouse

There are 16 species in this family. They have small heads; short necks; stocky bodies; long, pointed wings; and feathered legs. They are found in Africa, Europe, and Asia in plains and desert areas. Scientists can't quite figure out in what order these birds belong! They have some characteristics of pigeons and doves, but they also have characteristics of wading birds in the Charadriiformes order based on an examination of their DNA! Some scientists even think they should be in their own order, Pterocliformes!