Puna Miner
NamePuna Miner
Common NamePuna Miner
Scientific NameGeositta punensis
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)23.5
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy brown, often with a slightly rufous wash on the rump and tail base. Underparts are whitish to pale buff. The wings show rufous-cinnamon patches, particularly noticeable in flight. It has a short, slightly decurved bill and dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations typically consist of high-pitched, often trilling or chattering notes, sometimes described as a 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'chip-chip-chip' series, given from the ground or in flight.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of southern Peru, western Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina, inhabiting puna grasslands and barren, rocky areas, often near salt flats or high-altitude wetlands.
Identifying FeaturesSandy-brown plumage that blends with arid ground, Rufous-cinnamon patches on wings (visible in flight), Terrestrial foraging behavior, often running, Short, slightly decurved bill, Inhabits high-altitude puna environments
Description
The Puna Miner is a small, terrestrial bird found in high-altitude arid environments. Its plumage is cryptically colored to blend with the barren, rocky, or saline ground where it forages. It typically runs short distances on the ground in search of food.
