The Peruvian seaside cinclodes or surf cinclodes is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is endemic to Peru.
Region
Peruvian Pacific Coast
Typical Environment
Occurs along the arid Peruvian coastline on exposed, wave-battered rocky shores and boulder beaches. It frequents intertidal zones, tide pools, kelp wrack lines, and guano-covered islets, and often uses piers and breakwaters. The species forages at the very edge of the surf, showing a high tolerance for salt spray and strong winds. It is closely tied to low-tide conditions when more feeding surfaces are exposed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This species is one of the few ovenbirds specialized for life in the marine intertidal zone, routinely foraging right at the surf line. It often uses man-made structures like piers and jetties, and can be remarkably tame around fishing harbors. Its reliance on wave-washed rocky shores makes it sensitive to coastal disturbance and pollution.
Surf Cinclodes endemic in Peru
Temperament
confiding and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over the surf
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, maintaining territories along stretches of rocky shoreline. Pairs likely remain together year-round and nest in rock crevices, burrows, or man-made cavities. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a simple, thin warble interspersed with dry trills. Calls are sharp chips and tsiks that cut through surf noise, often given while foraging among rocks.
Plumage
Mostly sooty-brown to dark brown with a paler throat and a contrasting whitish to buff supercilium; faint streaking on the breast. Shows a warm rufous wing panel and tail edges, most evident in flight. The feathers are sleek and often appear damp or worn due to constant exposure to spray.
Diet
Feeds primarily on marine and intertidal invertebrates such as amphipods, isopods, small crabs, mollusks, and insects washed into the littoral zone. It picks and probes among algae-covered rocks and crevices and gleans from kelp wrack. Around harbors, it may opportunistically take small scraps or trapped invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages on wave-washed rocks, tide pools, and boulder fields at the immediate shoreline. Common around jetties, piers, and rocky breakwaters, especially where surf action exposes prey.
