Chilean Seaside Cinclodes

Overview

The Chilean seaside cinclodes (Cinclodes nigrofumosus) is a large cinclodes species endemic to Chile. It is the only passerine that forages at the ocean's surf line, alongside its sister species, the Peruvian seaside cinclodes.

Identification

• A large bird measuring 21 to 27 cm in length with a straight, blackish bill.
• Plumage features a smoky black or blackish brown crown and upperparts, contrasting with a white throat and smoky grey underparts.
• Adults possess a narrow pale buff or whitish supercilium on an otherwise blackish brown face.
• Wings are blackish with a pale rufous band at the base of the flight feathers, and the tail has pale rufous or ashy-brown tips on the outer feathers.

Habitat

Found along the Chilean coast from the Arica y Parinacota Region south to the Los Ríos Region, as well as on several nearshore islands. It inhabits the intertidal zone with a strong preference for rocks and is seldom found far from the water's edge.

Diet

Forages singly or in pairs in the intertidal zone and adjacent sandy areas. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as small crabs, crustaceans, marine worms, bivalves, snails, and limpets, as well as insects and small fish.

Did you know?

The species constructs messy nests from herbs, algae, and lichen in rock cavities, burrows, human structures, or even abandoned pipes. Males perform a courtship display by opening their wings and singing from high rocks.