Perky little bird of rocky slopes and valleys in Andes, often in areas with low bushes and scrubby trees. Nests in holes in banks. Found singly or in pairs and at times curious and confiding. Runs well on ground with long rusty tail strongly cocked up. Identified by rather long, overall straight bill, whitish bib, and rusty streaking on belly. Has a longer bill than the superficially similar, but smaller canasteros.