Rufous-banded Miner
NameRufous-banded Miner
Common NameRufous-banded Miner
Scientific NameGeositta rufipennis
FamilyFurnariidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsOverall sandy-brown to buff plumage with a paler supercilium above a darker eye-line. The back and wings are streaked with darker brown, and the underparts are paler, often buffy-white. A distinctive rufous patch is visible on the primaries, especially in flight.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, trilling or whistling song, often delivered during display flights. It also gives sharp alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the high Andes of South America, ranging from central Peru south through Bolivia and Chile to Argentina.
Identifying Featuressandy-brown cryptic plumage, pale supercilium, streaked back, rufous patch on primaries (visible in flight), terrestrial foraging behavior
Description
This small, terrestrial bird is characterized by its cryptic sandy-brown plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its rocky, high-altitude habitats. It forages primarily on the ground, often seen running and pecking for invertebrates.
