Syrrhaptes paradoxus is a scientific name for a species that is commonly known as the Pallas's sandgrouse, a bird that inhabits arid regions of Central Asia. Despite its unusual name, there are a few synonyms that can be used to refer to this bird, including Pallas's grouse, Asiatic sandgrouse, and Mongolian sandgrouse. The bird is recognizable by its distinctive plumage, which features a pale, sandy-brown body and striking black-and-white markings around the face and wings. These sandgrouse are well-adapted to their harsh desert environment and have a number of unique survival strategies, such as their ability to carry water to their young in specially adapted feathers.