Puna Mockingbird approximately 21–25.5 cm in length, predominantly chestnut in coloration. The head and upperparts are brownish chestnut, becoming more rufous or intense toward the rump. It has a conspicuous whitish eyebrow contrasting with a distinct dark eye-line and blackish ear coverts, forming a characteristic mask. The wings are blackish and show two fine white bars visible when the bird is perched, as well as a conspicuous white patch on the primary coverts and bases of the primaries that becomes very conspicuous in flight. The tail is blackish in its central portion, while the outer feathers are broadly white, creating a striking white-black-white pattern in flight; viewed from below, the tail appears predominantly white. The underparts are whitish, with the breast, flanks, and belly washed with buff or cinnamon tones. The bill and legs are blackish gray. The sexes are similar. Juveniles have dark spotting on the breast and throat.
It may coexist locally with the Patagonian Mockingbird (Mimus patagonicus), a grayer species with less extensive white areas on the wings and tail. The White-banded Mockingbird (Mimus triurus), with which it may coexist during winter, has a predominantly grayish head and back, with chestnut mainly restricted to the rump and a greater extent of white on the wings.
Geographic distribution: This species is distributed mainly in Bolivia, reaching northwestern Argentina, where it reaches the southern limit of its distribution. It occurs in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta and marginally in the extreme north of Tucumán. It is distributed mainly between 2,300 and 3,500 m above sea level, although it may be found from approximately 1,700 to 4,200 m in elevation. It is a resident species and no known migratory movements have been documented.
Habitat: A characteristic inhabitant of arid high-elevation environments. It frequents open shrublands, ravines, cardón cactus areas, Puna shrublands, and semiarid sectors of the Andes. It is particularly common in areas with an abundance of columnar cacti and scattered shrubs, and is also frequently found near settlements, cultivated areas, and human structures.
Diet: Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates captured both on the ground and among branches and shrubs. It usually forages by making short runs through low vegetation, although it also explores shrubs and cardón cacti.
Behavior: Generally observed alone, in pairs, or in small family groups. It spends much of its time on the ground, moving in short runs and frequently stopping to raise its tail. It often perches on shrubs, cardón cacti, and structures, from where it vocalizes. Its song consists of a varied succession of notes, whistles, trills, and harsh sounds, reminiscent of that of other mockingbirds, although it is generally less melodious.
Nesting: Builds an open cup-shaped nest made of twigs and plant fibers, generally placed on shrubs or cardón cacti. The clutch consists of four pale green or greenish-blue eggs, marked with gray and chestnut spots.
Conservation status: The species is categorized as Not Threatened (NA) at the national level and as Least Concern (LC) at the international level. It is locally common in suitable habitats, and no significant threats to its populations are known, although the alteration of shrublands and cardón cactus areas could locally affect some parts of its distribution.
Author of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 07/19/2026