Small, plump and compact ground-tyrant measuring 14–15 cm, the smallest species of the genus. Uniform grayish-brown plumage; throat and chest pale brownish-white with a slight gray wash; short whitish eyebrow. Black bill with a yellow-orange base on the lower mandible, a key diagnostic feature. Brown wings with cinnamon edges that do not reach half the tail length when perched. Dusky tail with partially white outer rectrices. Upright posture, black legs. Sexes similar; juveniles are more beige with wings showing stronger cinnamon edging.
Similar species:
• Puna Ground-Tyrant (Syrtidicola fluviatilis): virtually indistinguishable; Puna is grayer and slimmer, lacking the strong yellowish tone at the bill base. Very occasional in NW Argentina.
• Other ground-tyrants (Cinereous, Black-fronted, Grey, etc.): all larger, more contrasting, and with longer wings.
• Female Austral Negrito (Lessonia sp.): darker below, with rufous mantle and lacking yellow at the bill base.
Distribution: Broad Andean distribution. In Argentina it inhabits the entire Andean chain from Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, including Puna, Precordillera, arid sierras, Monte and Patagonian steppe, from sea level to 4,000 m depending on the region. In the non-breeding season it may appear in lowland central areas and even along the Patagonian Atlantic coast. Southern populations (Patagonia and southern Andes) migrate north (Bolivia, Peru, northern Chile) in winter. In NW Argentina it performs altitudinal migration, descending to low ravines and arid zones in the dry season.
Habitat: Open and rocky environments, slopes with scattered shrubs, shrub-steppe, gravel plains, wetlands and rocky outcrops. Frequent in rocky hillsides, wet meadows and arid ravines.
Behavior: Alone or in pairs; during migration and outside the breeding season it may be seen in small groups. Terrestrial, running on the ground, making short dashes and brief flights. Perches on rocks, posts, walls and low shrubs. Very tame. During displays performs ascending flight with dangling legs, reminiscent of pipits, while singing. Its voice consists of an accelerating sequence of notes ending in a high-pitched whistle.
Diet: Mainly arthropods captured on the ground, among rocks or in short sallies. Also eats fruits and occasionally flowers.
Breeding: Cup-shaped nest on the ground among rocks, grasses or under shrubs, built with grasses, fibers, wool and feathers. Lays 2–4 creamy-white eggs with fine speckles.
Conservation status: Not threatened. Common throughout much of its range.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025