The buff-breasted earthcreeper is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Region
Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on arid to semi-arid Andean slopes and puna grasslands with scattered shrubs and rocks across southern Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It favors open, sparsely vegetated hillsides, canyon walls, and the margins of Polylepis or queñua woodlands. Often found along rocky ravines, talus, and earthen banks where it can probe for arthropods. Typically encountered in pairs or as solitary individuals, moving methodically over the ground and low rocks.
Altitude Range
2200–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A high-Andean furnariid, the buff-breasted earthcreeper specializes in probing rocky soils and shrubby slopes for invertebrates. It often forages singly or in pairs, hugging the ground and using its slightly decurved bill to extract prey from crevices. Its warm buff underparts and rufous tail help distinguish it from other earthcreepers at similar elevations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. Nests are placed in burrows or crevices within earthen banks or rocky slopes, lined with grasses and fibers. Breeding occurs in the austral spring–summer, with both members of a pair involved in nest defense and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, accelerating series of whistles that may end in a rattling trill. Calls include sharp chips and squeaky notes used in contact and alarm. Vocalizations carry well across open, rocky terrain.
Plumage
Warm buff to cinnamon-buff underparts with slightly paler throat, brownish upperparts, and rufous tail and wing panels. Fine, subtle streaking may be present on the breast; a pale buff supercilium contrasts with a darker eyeline. Feathers appear sleek and close-fitting, aiding a streamlined, ground-hugging profile.
Diet
Feeds primarily on arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae, captured by probing soil, leaf litter, and rock crevices. It also gleans from low shrubs and tussock bases. Occasionally picks small seeds or plant matter incidentally while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open rocky slopes, talus, dry ravines, and among scattered shrubs in puna and arid montane scrub. Often works along edges of paths, eroded banks, and the margins of Polylepis stands.
