The cream-winged cinclodes 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 and Southern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs along the high Andes of Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It inhabits open puna grasslands, rocky slopes, boggy paramo-like flats, and edges of fast-flowing streams. The species is also common in human-modified highland landscapes such as pastures and roadsides where bare ground and stones are abundant. It favors areas with scattered boulders and short vegetation that facilitate ground foraging. During harsh weather it may move slightly downslope or seek sheltered valleys.
Altitude Range
2500–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Andean furnariid was recently split from the former Bar-winged Cinclodes complex, clarifying its range and identification. It often forages confidently around highland villages, roadsides, and pastures, turning over debris in search of invertebrates. Pairs typically nest in burrows they excavate in earthen banks or use crevices in walls and rock faces. Its pale wing panel and whitish belly help separate it from similar cinclodes in overlapping ranges.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
low, direct flights with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups; maintains territories during the breeding season. Nests are placed in tunnels excavated in earthen banks, walls, or natural rock crevices, lined with grasses. Both members of the pair defend the territory and feed the young. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with other ground-foraging birds in open puna.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a fast, rattling series of high-pitched trills that accelerates slightly, delivered from a rock or low perch. Calls include sharp tseet notes and dry chatters, often given in flight. Vocalizations carry well in open, windy highland habitats.
Plumage
Overall earthy brown above with a contrasting creamy-buff wing panel and pale supercilium; underparts are whitish to pale buff with faint mottling on the breast. Tail is darker brown with slightly paler edges. Flight shows the distinctive cream-toned wing coverts forming a broad panel.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small arthropods, including beetles, ants, flies, and larvae. Probes soil, moss, and damp ground along streams, and flips stones or debris to expose prey. Occasionally picks small invertebrates from low vegetation. It may opportunistically take small aquatic invertebrates along shorelines.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open ground in puna grasslands, stream margins, and boggy flats where bare patches and stones are common. Frequently forages around human settlements, corrals, and roadsides in the highlands.
