Fairly common in the Andes and foothills, and locally common in shrub-steppe of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Favors shrubby vegetation on rocky slopes and adjacent bogs and grassy areas; often sings from prominent perch on a rock or fencepost. In most of range, no similar species: note long arched bill, dusky scalloping on throat and breast, and pale eyebrow. Compare with Patagonian Forest Earthcreeper (until recently considered same species as Scale-throated).