A slender groundbird 17–18 cm long, with a very long, thin bill curved downward, reminiscent of a bandurrita (
Upucerthia). It shows fine brown streaking on the chest and lightly scaled sides of the neck. The tail is short and rufous with a dark tip, and the rump is dark brown. The wings are brown with broad rufous-orange areas that are very conspicuous in flight. Upperparts are grayish-brown with a faint ochraceous eyebrow. Sexes are similar. Juveniles are slightly more rufous, with pale-edged feathers on the head and back.
Geographic distribution: Found in the Andes from Peru and Bolivia south to northwestern Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca) between 2,500 and 4,700 m. In Argentina it is mostly resident, with possible local and altitudinal movements. In Tucumán it is fairly common in the Cumbres and Valles Calchaquíes, especially in rocky ground with scattered grassland and cliffs.
Habitat: High Andean dry grasslands, stony steppe, and open slopes with rocky outcrops. Often near
vegas, streams, or high-altitude wetlands.
Behavior: Mostly terrestrial, with an upright posture. Walks among grasses and rocks, probing or digging with its bill to extract invertebrates. Seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups, especially outside the breeding season. Males perform display flights accompanied by song. Vocalizations consist of rhythmic series of dry notes, given both in flight and from the ground, sometimes lasting 20 seconds or more; calls include high-pitched, plaintive tones.
Diet: Insectivorous. Eats beetles, larvae, spiders, and other small invertebrates captured on the ground, often digging with the long, curved bill.
Nesting: Nests at the end of a tunnel up to 60 cm deep in earthen banks, sometimes reusing tunnels of
Upucerthia. The nest is made of dry grasses and lined with hair or feathers. Known clutch: 2 opaque white eggs.
Conservation status: Species not considered threatened. In Argentina it is local but relatively common in suitable habitats.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025