Widespread and often fairly common in southern South America. Found in varied habitats from Patagonian shrub-steppe to parks and gardens to high Andean puna shrub-grassland to lowland desert scrub. Often in pairs, foraging low to high from weedy brush and shrubs to tree canopy; agile and often active, clinging upside down at tips of branches. Identified by streaky face, mostly plain back, and very long spiky-tipped tail. Voice varies regionally and multiple cryptic species are likely involved.