Description: Large and robust bird, about 26–27 cm in length. It has a long, very thick and strong bill, with a black maxilla and a yellowish base of the mandible, ending in a small hook. Plumage is grayish brown on the back, head and wings; the throat is whitish with thick dark streaks, and the chest is grayish brown, becoming paler toward the abdomen. The tail is mostly white, with central brown feathers, very visible in flight. It has a faint whitish eyebrow, brown iris and black legs. Male and female are similar, and juveniles show slightly paler plumage and a lighter gray chest.

It can be confused with the Andean Swallow (A. montanus), which has a similar tail, but differs by its larger size, thicker bill, pale base of the mandible, and dark (not pale) eyes. It is also similar to the Lesser Shrike-tyrant (A. micropterus andecola), but the latter has a more slender shape, more heavily streaked throat, and a dark tail with only white lateral edges.

Geographical distribution: Inhabits the Andes mountain range from southern Ecuador and Peru to northern Chile, western Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. In the country, its populations are very scarce and localized, found in Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy, mainly in the Calchaquí Peaks, the Aconquija Range and adjacent areas, above 3,100 m a.s.l.

Habitat: A typical inhabitant of arid and cold high Andean environments, associated with high-altitude steppes, grasslands with rocky outcrops, ravines and slopes with sparse vegetation or low shrubs. In Tucumán and Salta, it is recorded in ravines with humid grasslands and rocky outcrops. Prefers open areas, using rocks, shrubs or posts as perches from which it watches and hunts.

Diet: Opportunistic hunter. Feeds on large insects and small vertebrates —mainly lizards of the genus Liolaemus— which it captures from the ground or by making short flights from a perch. It strikes its prey against the ground or rocks until it kills them before consuming them.

Behavior: Usually observed alone or in loosely paired individuals, generally perched in high and exposed places. Alternates short flights with walking or hopping on the ground. It moves slowly and maintains a watchful attitude. Sings infrequently, producing a sharp, drawn-out whistle.

Nesting: Builds its nest in holes in cliffs, rock walls or among grasslands, low shrubs and Puya, close to the ground. The structure is a large cup, about 20 cm wide, made of dry twigs, stems and mosses, lined inside with horsehair, dry grasses and feathers.

Conservation status: Although globally it has a broad Andean distribution, it is considered rare and local, with low densities throughout its range. In Argentina its presence is poorly known and localized, with very small populations. It is categorized as Endangered (EN) nationally and Vulnerable (VU) internationally.

Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri - 09/11/2025