Description: Large ground-tyrant of 17–18 cm with uniform sandy brown coloration, unstriped breast, and a very conspicuous cream-white rump and base of the tail visible in flight. Shows a long and slightly decurved bill, sometimes with a yellowish base, and long wings that in flight display a dull rufous tone with a diffuse dark subterminal bar.

Similar species: • Rufous-banded Ground-Tyrant (G. rufipennis): more reddish, less contrast on the rump, more rufous wings, shorter and straighter bill. • Puna Ground-Tyrant (G. punensis): smaller, paler, whiter breast, more rufous wings, and lacking a marked cream rump. • Common Ground-Tyrant (G. cunicularia): strongly streaked breast; smaller size; less contrasted tail base; thinner bill.

Distribution: Central Andes of Chile and Argentina in rocky pre-Andean areas with movements toward the north. In Argentina mainly in Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja and Catamarca, reaching higher Andean sectors farther north, where it is rarer. Also present in high areas of Neuquén. Recorded in Aconcagua PP (Mendoza), San Guillermo NP (San Juan), and Laguna Brava PP (La Rioja). Usual altitude 2600–5000 m, descending in winter to 2000–2500 m.

Habitat: Rocky slopes, dry ravines, large rock outcrops and open hillsides with very sparse vegetation of short grasses and prostrate shrubs. Also high-Andean stony steppes, snowy or steep exposed areas with strong winds.

Behavior: Terrestrial, active and wary. Runs quickly among rocks, moves its tail vertically like other ground-tyrants, and flies low and straight when alarmed. Perches on high rocks where it emits territorial calls. Usually solitary or in pairs, though it may form small groups in winter. Territorial during breeding season. In flight it clearly shows its cream rump and rufous primaries. Its voice is a metallic, harsh and repetitive song, composed of long sequences of rapid, slightly descending notes with a dry tone.

Diet: Various arthropods: beetles, larvae, moths, stick insects and other invertebrates captured on the ground or among rocks.

Reproduction: Nest in rock crevices, natural cavities, under large rocks or in small ground hollows; it generally does not excavate long tunnels like other Geositta. The chamber is lined with fibers, grasses, feathers or hair. Clutch of 2–3 white eggs.

Conservation status: Not threatened, although rather local and restricted.

Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025