Large bird, about 22 cm long, with head, back, and chest of lead-gray tone with a slight bluish sheen, a long and narrow white eyebrow that is very characteristic, and belly, abdomen, and undertail coverts of intense brick-rufous color. The bill is conical, strong, and slightly hooked at the tip, dark gray with a paler lower base. The iris is reddish and the legs are brown. Male and female are similar, although the female shows slightly duller tones; juveniles have a paler bill and more opaque plumage.
Geographical distribution: Inhabits the Andes of central Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. In the country, it occurs in Jujuy and Salta, with localized records in ravines and slopes between 2,400 and 3,500 m a.s.l., especially in the ecotone between the montane Yungas forest and the high Andean grasslands.
Habitat: Found in ravines with shrubs of Baccharis sculpta, mountain grasslands and edges of queñoa (Polylepis spp.) or alder (Alnus acuminata) forests, as well as on steep slopes or rocky areas, often associated with dense vegetation or the edge of the montane forest.
Diet: Mainly plant material. Feeds on berries and fruits of Berberis, Tristerix, Brachyotum and tender shoots of herbs; supplements its diet with insects during the breeding season. Forages both in shrubs and on the ground.
Behavior: A trusting bird, usually found alone, in pairs, or in small family groups. Moves among shrubs or along the forest edge, occasionally descending to the ground to feed. Emits a soft and somewhat nasal song, with quick notes and other short, sharp calls.
Nesting: The nest is a small cup made of plant fibers and dry leaves, placed in the fork of a tree or shrub, often in queñoas. Both adults participate in feeding the chicks.
Conservation status: A local and uncommon species in northwestern Argentina, associated with queñoa forests, which are currently fragmented and degraded by logging, fire, and grazing. In Argentina, it is categorized as Vulnerable (VU), while internationally it is listed as Least Concern (LC), although with a declining population trend.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri - 09/11/2025