Behaviour. The population in coastal Peru is considered resident, while southern populations of Chile and Argentina migrate to pampas in N Argentina. Forages by probing while walking slowly, often in groups of 3-12 birds.
Habitat. Found in open country in meadows, pastures and cultivated fields as well as marshy valleys, arid rangeland, upland bunch-grass heaths and along lake and river margins.
Diet. Insects, worms, frogs, salamanders and occasionally rodents
Breeding Site. Colonial breeder, with Black-crowned Night-heron or cormorants; colonies of 10-30 pairs found in Chile and over 50 pairs at a site in Tierra del Fuego.

This species is found in southern Argentina and southern and central Chile, with an isolated population in western Peru. It has been characterised as common in southern Chile and Argentina (del Hoyo et al. 1992).