Typically a high-altitude species, occurring in puna habitats, swamps, mudflats, ponds, and streams (Matheu et al. 2020). The species can also use a range of artificial and natural habitats, including irrigation canals, flooded croplands, and wastewater treatment plants, along with dry forests (Ecuador) and mangroves; moving across large territories and varied landscapes, and has even adapted to coastal areas, including for nesting (Chávez-Villavicencio 2007, Córdova-González et al. 2020, Arana et al. 2022). The majority of records for this species are from 0-500 m and 2,500-4,500 m (with a maximum of 5,500 m), indicating that the species likely moves between higher and lower elevations in response to environmental variation (Arana et al. 2022). Feeds by probing into mud in creeks and flooded areas (Matheu et al. 2020).

This species is found from the coast to the highlands of Peru, south to Bolivia, extreme northern Chile, and north-west Argentina (González et al. 1999, Matheu et al. 2020). The species may also be expanding its range into Ecuador (Córdova-González et al. 2020, eBird 2025) but the records are treated here as vagrants.

Conservation Actions Underway
Occurs in several State Protected Natural Areas in Peru.

Conservation Actions Proposed
The population and status needs to be evaluated in each country where it occurs. Telemetry studies are needed to determine the species' movements and response to environmental variation. Conduct surveys in Ecuador to determine the species' resident status. Identify and monitor important breeding areas to help elucidate trends. Research the impact of hunting and trade on this species.