Large ground-tyrant about 18 cm long, with a very conspicuous black forehead and anterior crown that extends backward as a fine line to the nape. Striking white loral patch between the eye and the bill that strongly contrasts with the black forehead. Grayish tones above and whitish to pale gray underparts. Bill relatively long and slightly decurved. White undertail-coverts and dark tail. Juvenile lacks a well-defined black crown, shows edged wing coverts and a less contrasted facial pattern.
Distribution: Occurs in the high Andes of Cuyo and northern Patagonia; breeds in La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza and Río Negro, also in adjacent high Andean central areas mainly between 2500–4500 m. Present in San Guillermo NP (San Juan) and Laguna Brava PP (La Rioja). In autumn–winter it moves to the Altiplano of southern Peru and western Bolivia, where it spends the cold season, migrating through the northwestern provinces of Argentina.
Habitat: High Andean grasslands, gravel plains, rocky outcrops and slopes with low vegetation; edges of wetlands and mountain streams. Prefers rocky areas with scattered vegetation where it nests in crevices or cavities.
Behavior: Searches the ground for prey with short runs and hops; perches on prominent rocks. Usually solitary or in pairs during breeding; during seasonal movements it may be observed in loose groups. Roosts in rock cavities; sometimes shares shelters with other ground-tyrants. Song is a soft, high-pitched whistle; calls are short and brief. During displays it utters melodious and high notes. Short, dry calls in flight or alarm.
Diet: Insects and other arthropods captured on the ground through short runs and hops; also takes prey in brief aerial sallies. Occasionally consumes cactus fruits.
Breeding: Cup-shaped nest placed in rock crevices, built with fine grasses and lined with hair and feathers.
Conservation status: Not threatened. Relatively uncommon locally due to its preference for high-elevation habitats restricted to the high Andes.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025