Order: Passeriformes
Family: Furnariidae
The Band-tailed Earthcreeper is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird found in the windswept steppes and shrublands of Patagonia. It is recognized by its long, slightly decurved bill, pale underparts, and striking rufous tail with a dark band near the tip. This species is adapted to arid, open habitats, where it forages on the ground among rocks and sparse vegetation. Its behavior is often secretive, but its sharp, whistled calls are a familiar sound in its range. The Band-tailed Earthcreeper is a member of the ovenbird family, known for their diverse nesting habits, though this species typically nests in burrows or crevices. Its presence is an indicator of healthy Patagonian steppe ecosystems.
Habitat
Open arid steppes, shrublands, and rocky slopes of southern Argentina and Chile.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on the ground, probing soil and leaf litter for insects and other small invertebrates.
