The blackish cinclodes is a Near Threatened passerine bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found on Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands, where it is known as the tussac-bird or tussock-bird.
Region
Southern South America and the Falkland Islands
Typical Environment
Primarily coastal, it occupies rocky shores, kelp-lined beaches, tussac grass stands, and maritime pastures. It is closely associated with wrack lines and tide pools where invertebrates concentrate. Around penguin and seal colonies, it scavenges invertebrates and organic debris and readily explores buildings and boats for food. On Tierra del Fuego and nearby islands it uses open, windswept shorelines and barren coastal slopes, avoiding dense forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the tussac-bird or tussock-bird in the Falkland Islands, it is famously tame and often forages around human settlements and seabird or seal colonies. It nests in burrows, banks, or rocky crevices and patrols shorelines for invertebrates, often probing kelp wrack. On islands with introduced predators, it can be very vulnerable, which is a key conservation concern. In flight, rufous tones in the wings and tail can flash against its otherwise sooty appearance.
Temperament
bold and inquisitive near humans; territorial along shorelines
Flight Pattern
low, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, often maintaining year-round territories. Monogamous pairs nest in burrows, earthen banks, or rock crevices lined with vegetation. Frequently forages around seabird and seal colonies and can become habituated to people at settlements and field camps.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, chattering series of sharp notes that rises and falls, delivered from exposed rocks or tussac clumps. Calls include harsh scolds and quick metallic chips when alarmed or during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Mostly sooty to dark brown, with a slightly paler throat and subtle pale eyebrow; rufous tones show in wings and tail when flying.
Diet
Feeds mainly on intertidal invertebrates such as amphipods, isopods, insects, larvae, small mollusks, and marine worms. It probes kelp wrack, tide pools, and damp sand, and will glean around carcasses or refuse for invertebrates. Around colonies it may take fly larvae and other arthropods concentrated by organic debris.
Preferred Environment
Forages along rocky and kelp-strewn shores, wrack lines, and around tussac grass margins. Common near penguin and seal colonies and around human structures where food concentrates.
