The grey-breasted seedsnipe is a species of bird in the family Thinocoridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs in high Andean puna and steppe of Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It uses open, sparsely vegetated ground with cushion plants, bunchgrasses, and scattered shrubs. The species frequents rocky slopes, saline flats, and the edges of high-altitude wetlands (bofedales). It tolerates harsh, windy conditions and cold nights typical of the high puna.
Altitude Range
3000–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite belonging to the shorebird group, the grey-breasted seedsnipe is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds and plant material—a rarity among its relatives. It is superbly adapted to cold, high-Andean environments and relies on cryptic plumage to avoid predators. Pairs or small groups often forage on windswept puna flats and bog edges, where their mottled colors make them nearly invisible.
Temperament
wary and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, especially outside the breeding season. Nests are simple ground scrapes, well-hidden among stones or vegetation. Breeding typically occurs in the austral summer, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and chirps, often given in brief series. Display flights may include higher-pitched, carrying notes over open terrain.
