Maquis Canastero Asthenes heterura

Slender and long-tailed canastero of the high Andes from Cochabamba, Bolivia south to NE Argentina. Prefers scrubby hillsides, ravines, and open Polylepis woodland above treeline. Distinguished from the more common Puna and Creamy-breasted Canasteros by lack of streaked back (from Puna) and brown cap and long, slender tail (from Creamy-breasted). Often in pairs or small family groups, though can be quite elusive. Song a rising series of slightly nasal whistles, each of which descends and the ascends rapidly in pitch: “tuwhee-tuwee-tuwhee-tuweeh-tee!”