Gould commented 'That an Asiatic bird,...should have suddenly made its appearance in many parts of the European continent, and in almost every district in the British Isles, is so remarkable that the occurrence may almost be regarded as a phenomenon.' Gould stated that the Sandgrouse first appeared in England in 1859, and had steadily increased in numbers.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in central Asia from Caspian Sea to southwest Siberia, south Mongolia and north China, south to Tibet and Tsinghai. Partial migrant, wintering south of breeding range. Rare vagrant to Britain, though occasionally (1863-1888) large invasions, and has bred