Tibetan Sandgrouse

The Tibetan sandgrouse occurs in Central Asian mountain ranges, Tibet, central China and the Himalayas. It inhabits barren sandy plains near water and forages over undulating semi-desert. Gregarious birds form loose flocks and fly swiftly and directly, repeatedly giving a clanging double note as they travel. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Flocks visit watering places noisily around dawn and, less consistently, dusk. Feeding takes place mainly during morning and afternoon. Around midday, birds commonly squat in shallow ground depressions and bask in the sun. The account describes their movements while feeding as quick and notes that resting birds can be relatively unwary. (Wikipedia, general species account)