Pteroclidiformes are represented by the well known Sand grouse, which have undersized heads and necks similar to the pigeon. The males are a little bigger than the females, although this difference is not so much pronounced, and can even go unnoticed. Pteroclidiformes have extended and sharp wings. They fly rapidly and they are also able to take off very rapidly. Their legs are stout, and they have feathers on the legs, while some types of Pteroclidiformes have feathers also on their toes. Their feathers are mysterious, which enables them to feed in the open land for long. The feathers are varied depending on the sex, and the belly feathers are specifically good for absorption and retention of water. This is useful in enabling the adults carry water to the hens.

Sandgrouse mainly feed on seeds, including grains, rice, oats, and so on. These seeds are usually picked from the ground or even from growing vegetation. Some types of Sand grouse eat slowly and systematically while other types eat hurriedly.

Sandgrouse are sociable, and they are often sited feeding in groups, sometimes of hundreds of birds. Their diet is usually devoid of any water, and as a result, they are required to drink water in regular intervals. While they go to visit the water points, they are known to call out to other members, and several birds may visit the drinking point at one given moment, sometimes in the thousands. Some types of Sand grouse do not need to drink water on a daily basis, especially those that have plenty of water where they live.

Sandgrouse are said to be monogamous, and as the mating season nears, the flocks have a tendency of pairing up into couples. The breeding season usually coincides with the season of crops that bear seeds in the local vicinity. Their habitat during the breeding period is usually just a valley like hollow on the ground. This does not have to be too large, and a huge foot print could suffice at times.

Usually, the number of eggs laid is between tow and four, and they are quite obscure in appearance. Sleeping on the eggs is taken up by both sexes. Males take turns at nightfall and early morning while females sleep on the eggs during day time. After about twenty days, the chicks hatch. These chicks are immediately independent once hatched, and they leave the nest as soon as they are dry. Although they are able to feed themselves once hatched, they slowly acquire feeding skills from their parents. Besides, their parents also help them with provision of shed and warmth in extreme weather. Thus, they stay close to their parents for sometime.

The sandgrouse hardly interact with human beings, particularly because most of them inhabit dry and unoccupied places, far off from human beings. The sand grouse are not known to be edible, although they are still valued as game birds. None of the known species of Pteroclidiformes is under any threat of extinction.