How to identify the Temminck's Courser

To correctly identify the Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

19-22 cm

Wingspan

45-50 cm

Weight

50-70 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Overall sandy-brown to rufous-brown plumage on the upperparts, fading to paler buff on the belly. The crown is rufous-chestnut, bordered by a black line that extends from behind the eye. A white supercilium is present above this black line. The throat is white, and the breast is buffy-orange, often with a faint dark band. The primary flight feathers are black, contrasting with the brown upperwing coverts. The underwing is mostly white with black tips to the primaries. The rump and tail are sandy-brown, with the central tail feathers having dark tips.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, slender, slightly decurved black bill.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown eyes.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Long, pale yellowish-white to creamy-white legs and feet.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of rufous-chestnut crown, black post-ocular stripe, white supercilium, and pale legs are key distinguishing features. In flight, the black primaries contrasting with the brown upperwing are noticeable.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller and more mottled than adults, with less distinct head markings. The rufous crown is less pronounced, and the black stripe behind the eye is often duller or incomplete. The upperparts are more streaked or scaled with dark brown.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly worn or faded outside of the breeding season.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage. Females may be slightly larger on average, but this is not reliably discernible in the field.

Key field marks

• Head Pattern. Look for the distinctive rufous-chestnut crown, bordered by a thin black line extending from behind the eye, and a contrasting white supercilium above it. This is the most reliable field mark.
• Plumage Coloration. Note the sandy-brown to rufous-brown upperparts and paler, buffy underparts. The breast often has a warm, buffy-orange wash.
• Legs. Observe the long, pale yellowish-white legs, which are characteristic of coursers and adapted for running.
• Flight Pattern. In flight, look for the strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats and the striking contrast of black primary flight feathers against the brown upperwing coverts.
• Behavior. Its habit of running short distances, stopping abruptly to peck at the ground, and then running again is typical. Often seen in open, short-grass areas.

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