A 16–17 cm ground-tyrant with modest gray-brown appearance and a crown showing a faint, diffuse cinnamon wash without forming a defined patch. Shows a faint eyebrow and slightly dark lorals. Upperparts light gray-brown; lower rump black. Underparts pale gray-whitish with little contrast; tail black with white edges on the outer rectrices. Sexes alike. Juveniles display pale cinnamon-edged wing coverts.
Compared to similar species, the White-browed Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola albilora) is more contrasting, with a clearly marked eyebrow and warmer-toned upperparts. The Cinereous Ground-Tyrant (Muscisaxicola cinereus) is colder ash-gray and lacks the cinnamon crown wash.
Geographical distribution: High-Andean species distributed from south-central Peru, western and southern Bolivia, northern and central Chile, and northwestern Argentina (Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca and, sparsely, the Cumbres Calchaquíes of Tucumán, generally above 3,900 m). Mostly found between 3,000 and 4,500 m. A high-Andean resident performing altitudinal migration, descending during harsh weather; may form local winter groups.
Habitat: Inhabits puna grasslands, high-Andean herbaceous steppe, peatlands, wet meadows and rocky slopes in Andean and puna regions. Frequent in wetland edges, rocky outcrops and open terrain with scattered low vegetation.
Behavior: Primarily terrestrial; performs short runs and hops to capture prey. Alternates periods of stillness in an upright posture with vigilant perching on rocks or low shrubs, from which it launches brief flights. Trustful, quiet, and habitually tail-bobbing. Seen alone or in pairs; outside the breeding season may form small flocks. Performs aerial displays during the breeding season.
Diet: Mainly terrestrial and flying arthropods. May capture insects on the wing with short sallies. Occasionally includes seeds, fruits or small vertebrates.
Nesting: Nests in rock crevices or holes in the ground. Nest poorly known; structures with wool and feathers have been recorded. Clutches of 2 eggs documented. Both adults feed fledglings.
Conservation status: Species not considered threatened nationally or internationally. Locally scarce in high-altitude areas.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025