cordilleran canastero Asthenes modesta

Widespread and often fairly common in the Andes, mainly in fairly open habitats from scrub to bogs and rocky slopes. Often relatively conspicuous, running on the ground with tail strongly cocked and often dipped, or singing from a prominent rock. Plumage rather plain overall with brownish upperparts and dark-centered, bright rusty tail. Favors more open habitats than Sharp-billed and Canyon Canasteros, which hold their tails more loosely and flip them around vs. being more stiffy cocked and dipped. Also note vocal differences.