Order: Passeriformes
Family: Furnariidae
The Cordilleran Canastero is a small, slender bird native to the high Andes and Patagonian steppe. Its plumage is mostly brown and pale, providing excellent camouflage among the dry grasses and shrubs of its habitat. This species is recognized by its long, graduated tail, which it often holds upright, and its sharp, chattering calls. Cordilleran Canasteros are highly territorial and are usually seen alone or in pairs. They are skilled nest builders, weaving elaborate, domed nests with side entrances, often hidden in dense vegetation. Their adaptability to harsh, windy environments and their secretive nature make them a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and researchers alike.
Habitat
Open, arid shrublands and grasslands of the Patagonian steppe and Andean foothills, typically at elevations from 1,000 to 3,500 meters.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on insects and spiders, gleaning prey from low shrubs and the ground.
