Fairly common in lowlands and foothills; often along the coast south of the range of Seaside Cinclodes. Found along streams, lakeshores, on rocky coasts, and also feeding on lawns and in pastures near water. Plumage dark overall with bold white head stripes and fine whitish streaking on breast. Larger, darker, and more sluggish than sprightly Gray-flanked Cinclodes (the two can occur together in winter), with a slightly longer bill. Note the bold buffy wing stripe shown in raised wing song display from a low perch.