Habitat
Open, degraded Polylepis forest, Baccharis pentlandii scrub and completely converted habitat, with fields, large areas left fallow, shrubs and low scrub, scattered Eucalyptus trees and some soil erosion. From 2,300 - 3,700 m.
Berlepsch's Canastero (Asthenes berlepschi) [XC145045]
by Dan Lane from Upper Sorata valley, La Paz, Bolivia (call, song)
Berlepsch's Canastero (Asthenes berlepschi) [XC296386]
by id from Upper Sorata valley, La Paz, Bolivia (call, song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Forms a species group, and possibly a superspecies, with Creamy-breasted Canastero (Asthenes dorbignyi), probably also with Steinbach's Canastero (Pseudasthenes steinbachi) and Short-billed Canastero (Asthenes baeri) and possibly with Patagonian Canastero (Pseudasthenes patagonica). May be conspecific with Creamy-breasted Canastero (Asthenes dorbignyi), with treatment as species based more on historical momentum than on taxonomic analysis. In some aspects of plumage, tail structure, behaviour, voice and nest structure, all are more similar to Phacellodomus (especially Streak-fronted Thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticeps)) and possibly better placed in that genus.
Similar Species
Most similar to subspecies arequipae of Creamy-breasted Canastero (Asthenes dorbignyi), but has more rufous in wing coverts and tail, and a stouter bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet