Large ground-tyrant about 20 cm long, robust, with long wings and a conspicuous yellowish nape patch that is very visible from behind. Broad white eyebrow, contrasting white lore with a dark eyeline and pale forehead. Upperparts grayish-brown; wings darker with pale edges. Tail black with white outer edges. Underparts pale gray, with slightly cinnamon-tinged flanks. Bill long, slightly curved and black; legs black. Juvenile: brown crown, nape patch scarcely visible, beige-edged wing coverts. Distinguished from other ground-tyrants by its large size, yellow nape patch and extensive white lores.
Geographical distribution: Along the Andes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. In Argentina, it breeds in the cordillera of Tierra del Fuego (subsp. brevirostris) and from Santa Cruz north to Mendoza (subsp. flavinucha), migrating in autumn toward northwestern Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Occurs between 500–4.500 m, most common above 2.000 m.
Habitat: Rocky ground and high Andean shrub steppes, rock outcrops, open semi-arid slopes, high-Andean wetlands, peatlands and mountain streams.
Behavior: Solitary, in pairs, or in scattered groups. Always upright, flicking tail and wings nervously when perched. Short, low flights. Very terrestrial. Perches on rocks, yaretas, shrubs and posts. Generally confiding and silent. Males perform aerial displays with vertical drops.
Diet: Mainly arthropods, captured on the ground through short runs and hops. Also searches among low vegetation, leaf litter or shrubs; occasionally hawks insects in flight. Consumes cactus fruits in winter.
Reproduction: Cup-shaped nest of grasses, lined with feathers and hair in crevices, small caves, under stones or even in burrows. Clutch of 2–3 (sometimes 4) white eggs with reddish spots.
Conservation status: Not threatened, locally common.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025