Fairly common in puna zone of the high Andes. Found in open areas such as bogs and sandy and stony plains with scattered shrubs and bunchgrass. Often seen in pairs, walking with waddling gait and pumping its tail like most miners. Best identified by plain whitish underparts (no breast streaking) and relatively short straightish bill. In flight shows rusty patches in wings and at base of tail. The similar Common Miner, which is found in the same areas, but is less numerous than the Puna Miner has a creamy white (not rusty) tail base.