Geositta saxicolina
The Dark-winged Miner (Geositta saxicolina) is a captivating terrestrial songbird endemic to the high Andes of South America, belonging to the Furnariidae family, which includes ovenbirds and earthcreepers. Measuring approximately 15-16 cm (6 inches) in length and weighing 22-26 grams, this species is characterized by its earthy brown plumage, with a paler, often whitish, underbelly. Its most distinctive field mark, giving rise to its common name, is the dark, almost black, primary feathers, ...
Primarily inhabiting the high-altitude arid and semi-arid puna grasslands, rocky slopes, scree, and sparse scrubland of the Andes, typically found at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small arthropods, including insects and their larvae, which it primarily gleans and probes from the ground and low vegetation.
The Dark-winged Miner is a predominantly diurnal and terrestrial bird, often observed foraging solitarily or in pairs, tirelessly searching for food among rocks and low vegetation. Its foraging strategy involves running short distances, pausing abruptly, and probing the ground or crevices with it...
The Dark-winged Miner has a restricted but stable distribution across the high Andes of south-central South America. Its primary breeding and year-round range extends from southern Peru (specifically in departments such as Arequipa, Moquegua, Tacna, and Puno) southeastwards through western Bolivi...
Least Concern
- The 'Miner' in its name refers to its habit of digging burrows for nesting, a trait shared with other members of its genus, Geositta. - It is one of the highest-dwelling passerines in the world, regularly found at elevations exceeding 4,500 meters (14,760 feet). - Despite its 'dark-winged' name...