Description: Ground-tyrant measuring 16.5–18 cm, with black forehead and anterior facial region contrasting with a well-defined bright chestnut to rufous crown. Nape and back dark gray to brownish-gray; wings dark with fine pale edging on the feathers. Throat whitish; chest grayish gradually becoming cinnamon toward the belly, flanks, and undertail, where the tone is more intense. Tail dark, with outer rectrices edged in white. Sexes similar, although females are usually slightly smaller. Juvenile lacks the intense cinnamon coloration: crown dark or brownish-gray, sometimes with slight rufous tinge posteriorly; belly paler, wings with visible beige edges. At this stage it may be confused with other ground-tyrants, especially the sympatric Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant (M. maclovianus). It also coexists in Patagonia and may be confused with the Chocolate-vented Tyrant (Neoxolmis rufiventris), which is larger and lacks the cinnamon crown.

Geographic distribution: Migratory species of the Southern Cone of South America. Breeds in southern Argentina and Chile, and during the austral winter moves northward, reaching high Andean areas of Bolivia and Peru. In Argentina it breeds mainly in Patagonia, from Neuquén and Río Negro to Chubut and Santa Cruz, including northern Tierra del Fuego. In winter it migrates northward, occurring in pre-Andean and high Andean regions of central and northwestern Argentina, with frequent records in Mendoza, Córdoba, Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán. During migration, large flocks are observed in transit, with notable concentrations in the Cumbres Calchaquíes (Tucumán). Very occasionally, individuals are recorded outside their usual range during migration, even in eastern Argentina and very erratically in southeastern Brazil.

Habitat: Inhabits rocky areas, open shrubby steppe, rock outcrops, and environments with bare ground or sparse vegetation. During the breeding season it occupies Patagonian steppes with rocky outcrops and lightly grazed areas. Very common on plateaus in western Santa Cruz. In winter it frequents high Andean environments, semi-arid grasslands, and open areas. Occurs from sea level up to 4,000–4,700 m a.s.l.

Behavior: Essentially terrestrial. Walks, runs, and hops on the ground, with short low flights. Often perches on stones, rocks, or low shrubs. Outside the breeding season it is gregarious, forming flocks of 10 to 25 individuals, especially during migration. During breeding it is seen alone or in pairs and shows territorial behavior. Generally quiet; vocalizations are brief and infrequent.

Diet: Mainly insectivorous. Consumes arthropods captured through short runs on the ground, sometimes combined with small flights to catch prey. Occasionally may include seeds, fruits, or flowers, especially when feeding chicks. During migration feeds in large flocks.

Breeding: Nests in Patagonia during spring and summer. The nest is an open cup made of dry grass stems, lined with feathers and hair, placed in natural cavities: rock crevices, ground holes, abandoned mammal burrows, or sheltered spaces among rocks, sometimes also in human structures. Clutch of 2 to 3 whitish eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both adults participate in feeding the chicks.

Conservation status: Not threatened at national or global level. Common across much of its range and with no known significant threats.


Author of this compilation: Diego Carus and María Belén Dri – 03/04/2026