The stout-billed cinclodes is a species of bird in the Furnariinae subfamily of the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in the high Andes of Colombia and Ecuador, chiefly in open páramo grasslands, boggy flats, and along stony streams. It favors wet, windswept slopes with cushion plants, tussock grasses, and rocky outcrops. Often found at the edges of elfin forest or Polylepis patches, and tolerates lightly grazed pastures. Commonly forages along roadcuts, streambanks, and seepage areas where soil is soft.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-Andean ovenbird lives in páramo landscapes, where its thick, sturdy bill helps it probe wet soils and turn over debris for invertebrates. It often forages along cold streams and bogs and will nest in burrows or tunnels in earthen banks. Despite harsh climates, it is present year-round and can sometimes be seen near roadsides or pasture edges at high elevations.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or family parties, holding territories year-round. Nests in burrows or tunnels in earthen banks, roadside cuts, or under rocks, lining the cavity with grasses. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend foraging areas along streams and wet ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include dry trills and sharp chips delivered from exposed perches or during short display flights. The song is a fast, rattling series of harsh notes that carries in windy páramo conditions.
Plumage
Earthy brown above with a contrasting pale buff supercilium, slightly paler throat with fine streaking, and dusky brown underparts that may show a grayer wash on the breast. Shows warm rufous panels in the wings and tail, especially obvious in flight. Feathers are plain to lightly streaked, giving a clean but subdued appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as beetles, fly larvae, caterpillars, spiders, and small worms. Probes soft soil, moss, and mud, and flips stones or plant litter to uncover prey. Along streams and seeps it takes aquatic insect larvae and other small arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Forages on wet ground along stream margins, seepage zones, bogs, and saturated páramo turf. Also searches around tussock bases, roadcuts, and the edges of grazed pastures where soil is exposed.
