The name Cinclodes suggests a similarity to dippers (genus Cinclus) but these active ground-dwelling birds remind me more of pipits or thrushes. They are actually classified with the Ovenbirds (Furnariidae) and nest in burrows near rocky coasts or riverbanks. Two subspecies are recognized, although differences are slight. This is C. p. chilensis which has reduced streaking on its belly. It is replaced by the nominate race further south.