The greyish miner is a species of bird in the subfamily Sclerurinae, the leaftossers and miners, of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Chile and Peru.
Region
Humboldt Current coastal desert (Peru–northern Chile)
Typical Environment
Found along the arid Pacific coast of Peru and northern Chile, especially in dune fields, lomas vegetation belts, coastal scrub, and sparsely vegetated sandy plains. It also uses gravel flats, saltpans, and margins of dry riverbeds. The species favors open, bare ground where it can run and probe for arthropods. It avoids dense vegetation and humid habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A terrestrial ovenbird of Peru and northern Chile’s coastal deserts, the greyish miner blends almost perfectly with sand and gravel. It often pumps its tail while running and forages by probing and gleaning on open ground. Like other miners, it nests in a self-excavated burrow in sandy banks or level ground.
Greyish Miner in Peru
Reserva Nacionale de LaChay, Peru
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; may occur in small loose groups in good foraging areas. Pairs defend a territory and are presumed monogamous. They excavate nesting burrows in sandy banks or level ground, ending in a chamber where a small clutch is laid.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of trills and twittering notes delivered from the ground or a low perch. Calls are high, sharp seep or tsip notes, sometimes given in short runs while the bird moves.
