Extreme south-eastern Bolivia (south-eastern Chuquisaca, eastern Tarija) and western Paraguay south to central Argentina (south to southern San Luis, northern Córdoba, central Santa Fe, north-western Entre Ríos).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Voice
A shriller imitation of Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus), 'pfwee - tittle tittle', followed by a rattle. Also a descending 'chichichichi chee chee chee chee chee'.
Crested Hornero (Furnarius cristatus) [XC621916]
by Franco Vushurovich from Blumental, Teniente Primero Manuel Irala Fern\u00e1ndez, Presidente Hayes, Paraguay (call)
Crested Hornero (Furnarius cristatus) [XC616308]
by Fabrice Schmitt from Filadelfia, Boquer\u00f3n, Paraguay (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Plumage pattern and biogeography suggest that the most likely sister-species is Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus).