Medium-sized ground-tyrant, 17–18 cm, with brownish-gray coloration and a noticeably rufous-cinnamon crown; long, narrow white eyebrow and a marked black eyeline. Upperparts brownish-gray; wings dark brown. Underparts white. Tail black with whitish outer edges. Bill thin and dark; legs dark. Juvenile: entirely brown crown and narrow edges on wing coverts. Can be confused with the Junin Ground-Tyrant (M. juninensis), which has a less obvious eyebrow, less overall contrast and a duller crown patch; and with the Cinereous Ground-Tyrant (M. cinereus), which is uniformly ashy-gray, without a patch and with almost no eyebrow.
Geographical distribution: Generally along the Andes of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, with marked northward migration in winter. In Argentina present from San Juan southwards along the entire cordillera, including Mendoza, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz. During migration, recorded in northwestern Argentina and prepuna. Occasional eastward vagrancy, even reaching the Falkland Islands. Usually between 1,200–4,000 m, descending to lower elevations during migration or eastward vagrancy.
Habitat: Rocky ground, shrub-steppe, rock outcrops and mountain streams along the Andes. Frequent in high-Andean and Patagonian steppes, lake margins, wetlands and open semi-arid environments. During migration it visits grasslands and partially wooded areas.
Behavior: Terrestrial, confiding and quiet. Solitary or in pairs; during migration gathers and may form large flocks. Perches on shrubs, rocks or posts; flicks wings and tail nervously. Often associated with other ground-tyrants. Aerial display during courtship.
Diet: Arthropods captured on the ground through short runs and hops. Sometimes hawks prey in flight. Searches among stones, shrubs and low vegetation, pausing stiff and upright.
Reproduction: Nest in rocky cavities, crevices or walls; an open cup of grasses lined with feathers and hair. Clutch of 2–3 white eggs with reddish spots.
Conservation status: Not threatened and locally common.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025