The Bolivian earthcreeper is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina and Bolivia.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in inter-Andean valleys and arid to semi-arid slopes of Bolivia and adjacent northwestern Argentina. It favors thorny shrublands, rocky hillsides, dry ravines (quebradas), and open scrub with scattered cacti and bushes. The species also uses edges of agricultural fields, stone walls, and sparsely wooded foothills. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable rocky-scrub habitat persists. Watercourses with steep earthen banks and scattered boulders are often frequented.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae), the Bolivian earthcreeper is adapted to dry Andean valleys and scrub. It forages low to the ground, probing among rocks and roots with a slightly decurved bill. The richly rufous tail is often flashed in short bounding flights between shrubs. Formerly placed in Upucerthia, it is now in the genus Tarphonomus alongside the Chaco earthcreeper.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low bounding flights between shrubs and rocks
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, probing crevices and leaf litter. Breeding biology is incompletely documented, but pairs are monogamous and defend nesting areas; reported nests are placed in cavities such as earthen banks or rocky crevices.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, rattling series that accelerates slightly and may end in a descending trill. Calls include sharp tchik notes and rough churrs given during agitation or territorial encounters.
Plumage
Earthy brown upperparts with a pale buffy supercilium, whitish throat, and buff underparts with faint streaking on the breast. Wings and especially the tail show rich rufous tones, most evident in flight. Feathers are plain-textured with minimal patterning aside from subtle streaks and a darker malar area.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and insect larvae. It probes into soil, among stones, and in root mats, and gleans from low vegetation. Occasional small seeds or other invertebrates may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages along rocky slopes, scrubby hillsides, and eroded banks with exposed soil and scattered shrubs. It also uses field margins, stone walls, and paths where prey is accessible.
