The coastal miner is a species of bird in the subfamily Sclerurinae, the leaftossers and miners, of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian coastal desert
Typical Environment
Occurs along Peru’s arid Pacific slope, favoring sandy dunes, barren coastal flats, sparsely vegetated desert scrub, and seasonal lomas hills. It also uses river mouths, edges of saline flats, and disturbed open ground where invertebrates are exposed. The species is highly terrestrial, ranging across open terrain and low hummocks. Local movements track moisture and invertebrate availability, especially during the lomas green-up season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small ground-dwelling ovenbird is superbly camouflaged to match Peru’s pale coastal deserts. True to its name, it excavates nest burrows in sandy or earthen banks, a hallmark of the miners. It often exploits fog-fed lomas hills that briefly bloom each year, shifting locally with seasonal resources. Protecting lomas sites like Lomas de Lachay is important for its long-term persistence.
Coastal Miner in Peru
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct flights close to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories across open ground. Both sexes excavate a burrow nest in sandy or earthen banks, ending in a chamber lined with fine materials. Clutches are small, and adults are attentive, remaining close to the ground and using stealth to avoid predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, rapid series of trills and high notes delivered from the ground or a low perch. Calls are soft, high tsip notes used in contact and alarm. Vocalizations can be subdued, easily lost in windy coastal conditions.
