Olrog's cinclodes is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Argentina.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Endemic to northwestern Argentina, where it inhabits montane valleys with fast, rocky streams and seeps. It favors boulder-strewn banks, wet grass tussocks, and mossy margins, often near Polylepis or alder patches. The species forages along exposed rocks and gravel bars and occasionally in adjacent damp pastures. It is generally local and patchily distributed, tracking clear, well-oxygenated waters.
Altitude Range
1500–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Olrog's cinclodes is a streamside furnariid named in honor of ornithologist Claes C. Olrog. It keeps close to fast-flowing, rocky Andean streams where it forages along the water’s edge, often wagging its tail and flicking its wings. Pairs hold territories year-round and nest in burrows or crevices in earthen banks and rock walls. Habitat alteration of mountain streams can affect local populations.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights along streams
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding linear territories along a stretch of stream. Nests are placed in burrows or natural crevices in earthen banks or rock walls, lined with fine plant material. Both members of the pair participate in territory defense and rearing of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, lively series of sharp chips and trills delivered from a rock or low perch. Calls are high, metallic tsit notes given frequently during foraging and territorial encounters.
Plumage
Earth-brown upperparts with a distinct pale buff supercilium and whitish throat; underparts buffy with subtle mottling. Flight reveals warm rufous tones in the wings and at the base of the tail. Feathers are dense and somewhat fluffy, suited to cool, wet streamside habitats.
Diet
Primarily aquatic and riparian invertebrates including insect larvae, adult insects, and small crustaceans. It gleans from wet rocks, probes moss and algae mats, and flips pebbles to expose prey. Occasionally captures small terrestrial invertebrates in adjacent wet meadows.
Preferred Environment
Edges of fast, clear mountain streams, splash zones on boulders, and seepage areas with moss and short grass. Also forages on gravel bars and along man-made channels that mimic natural flow.
