A small bird that is warm brown above and gray below. Completely unstreaked unlike a canastero. Also note indistinct whitish eyering and short gray eyebrow. Namesake “thistle” tail refers to the long, thin, and pointed tail feathers. Occurs in the Andes from Colombia to central Peru from around 2,800 to 3,500 m. Look for singles or pairs skulking in shrubby areas or stunted woodlands near treeline, not often coming out in the open. Compare with Mouse-colored Thistletail, which is duller brown above and shows a less distinct eyebrow.