Blackish Cinclodes

Identification

The blackish cinclodes is a small passerine, measuring 18 to 23 cm in length and weighing approximately 63 grams. Adults of the nominate subspecies are mostly dark sooty brown with a slightly paler throat and some dull rufous visible on the base of the flight feathers, usually only apparent in flight. The bird has a dark brown iris, blackish bill, and blackish legs and feet. Juveniles are generally browner than adults. The subspecies C. a. maculirostris is slightly larger with a shorter bill and longer tail, appearing blacker overall with a visibly yellowish base to its bill and lacking the rufous wing markings of the nominate subspecies.

Range & Habitat

The nominate subspecies is found on the Falkland Islands, where surveys through the late 1990s recorded them on 40 of 59 islands studied. Subspecies C. a. maculirostris inhabits southernmost mainland Chile, both Chilean and Argentine Tierra del Fuego, and other islands in the Cape Horn Archipelago. The blackish cinclodes is primarily coastal, though it ranges as far inland as 0.5 km. The species favors landscapes of short grass and tussock grass, and is common around human habitations, typically found on rocky beaches near colonies of marine mammals and seabirds. Elevations range from sea level to approximately 200 meters.

Behaviour & Diet

This species is a year-round resident throughout its range and is remarkably tame, often approaching humans and their habitations, particularly in the Falklands. The blackish cinclodes feeds mainly on small invertebrates including amphipods, isopods, flies, and orthopterans. Around seabird colonies, it consumes cracked eggs, scraps, and regurgitated matter, and has been documented feeding at wounds on southern elephant seals. The bird gleans and probes for prey on beaches, particularly in kelp, leaps to capture flies in mid-air, and will follow humans to catch disturbed prey. It may also enter houses to take food crumbs.

Breeding occurs from September to January, with two broods often raised. Both subspecies nest in tunnels in earthen banks or rock crevices, lining the nest chamber with grass and feathers. The nominate subspecies also nests in abandoned seabird burrows and under buildings. Clutch size is two or three eggs, with an incubation period of about 16 days and fledging occurring approximately 25 days after hatching. Both adults care for the young.

Best Time & Places to See It

The blackish cinclodes can be seen year-round throughout its range. The Falkland Islands provide the most accessible viewing opportunities, particularly on the 40 islands where the nominate subspecies has been recorded. Look for this species on rocky beaches, grassy areas dominated by tussock grass, and near human settlements where it is particularly tame. Areas cleared of introduced predators show more stable populations. In Tierra del Fuego and the Cape Horn Archipelago, the darker C. a. maculirostris subspecies can be found in similar coastal habitats.

Photography Tips

The blackish cinclodes' habituation to humans, especially in the Falklands, makes it relatively approachable for photography. Focus on capturing the bird in flight to reveal the dull rufous on the flight feathers of the nominate subspecies, or showcase its characteristic behavior of gleaning on beaches and rocky shores. Photographing the species near seabird colonies or engaging in its characteristic habit of following humans along beaches offers compelling behavioral shots. The bird's occasional flight display ending in a dive to the ground provides dynamic photo opportunities. Best light is typically during morning hours when the bird is most active, though its dark plumage requires careful exposure metering to preserve detail.