Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper

Overview

The Patagonian forest earthcreeper (Upucerthia saturatior), also known as the forest earthcreeper, is a species of bird in the ovenbird family Furnariidae. It is found in Argentina and Chile, where it is generally considered to be reasonably numerous despite a potentially decreasing population.

Identification

• Length of 20 to 22 cm with a medium-length, moderately decurved blackish bill.
• Whitish supercilium on a grayish white and dark grayish brown face, with a dull dark grayish brown crown.
• Dark brownish gray upperparts with an olive tinge, and a dark grayish breast with a brown scalloped appearance.
• Song consists of 1–2 sharp, short initial notes followed by a series of triplets rendered as 'p-p-tirik-tirik-tirik-tirik-tirik-tiruk'.

Habitat

Found in central Chile between Concepción and Valdivia provinces and in western Argentina between Neuquén and Chubut provinces. It inhabits forest edges, including those of clearings, usually near bodies of water, and favours Nothofagus forest. The species occurs at elevations between 250 and 1,800 m.

Diet

The specific diet has not been described but is assumed to consist of larval and adult arthropods. It forages alone or in loose pairs on the ground, often near tall trees, bushes, or boggy ground at forest edges. The bird vigorously probes the earth for prey and sometimes turns over chunks of soil or stones.

Did you know?

Evidence strongly suggests that the Patagonian forest earthcreeper breeds exclusively in Argentina but crosses the Andes to winter in Chile. Its population size is currently unknown, although it is assessed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.