Cinclodes atacamensis
The White-winged Cinclodes (Cinclodes atacamensis) is a captivating medium-sized passerine, measuring 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing between 50-60 grams. Its plumage is predominantly dull brown on the upperparts, contrasting sharply with a prominent, almost dazzling, white stripe across its primary wing coverts, which is a key identification mark, especially in flight. A pale supercilium above the eye and rufous undertail coverts further distinguish this Andean specialist. Taxon...
This species primarily inhabits arid high-altitude wetlands, bogs, and rocky streams, as well as the shores of lakes and lagoons, typically found above the treeline in the Andean mountains, ranging from 2,500 to over 5,000 meters in elevation.
Its diet mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates, including insects, their larvae, and small crustaceans, which it primarily obtains by probing mud and gleaning from rocks and vegetation near water.
The White-winged Cinclodes is a largely diurnal species, spending most of its active hours foraging along the banks of high-Andean streams and lakes, often roosting in rock crevices or dense vegetation at night. Its primary foraging strategy involves wading into shallow water and probing the mudd...
The White-winged Cinclodes has a restricted but stable distribution across the high Andes of South America, primarily spanning from extreme southern Peru through western Bolivia, central and northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina. It is predominantly a resident species throughout its range, t...
Least Concern
- The White-winged Cinclodes is one of the highest-dwelling passerine birds in the world, regularly found above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). - Its scientific name, *atacamensis*, directly references the Atacama Desert region in Chile, part of its core range. - Unlike many ovenbirds known for elabo...