Uncommon to fairly common in the high Andes, where usually outnumbered by similar but smaller Cream-winged Cinclodes. Favors streams and bogs with running water and also lakeshores. Generally less confiding than Cream-winged Cinclodes. Told from Cream-winged by brighter, rustier back and more contrasting white markings with broader wing stripe and big white tail corners as opposed to smaller buff tail corners on Cream-winged. Voice also quite different.