Tussac-bird

Name: Tussac-bird, Tussock-bird, Blackish Cinclodes (Cinclodes antarcticus)

Length: 18 to 23 cm.

Location: Falklands, southern tip of South America.

Conservation status: Near Threatened.

Diet: Mainly small invertebrates, also carrion and food scraps from humans and other animals.

Appearance: Uniform dark brown plumage. Faint reddish-brown stripe on wings. Slightly paler stripe above eyes. Long dark bill with slight downward curve, pale yellow spot at the base.

How do Tussac-birds feed?

Tussac-birds forage amongst beached seaweed along shorelines. They also pick at carrion and food remains left by animals and humans.

Are Tussac-birds social?

Tussac-birds are known for being very tame around humans.

What are Tussac-birds birthing rituals like?

The breeding season runs from September to December. Nests are cup-shaped, placed among rocks, grass clumps, holes, or in buildings, made of grass and lined with feathers. They lay 1 to 3 white eggs with red spots, often having 2 broods per season. Eggs are incubated for 2 weeks, and chicks fledge after another 2 weeks.

How long do Tussac-birds live?

Passerines generally live about 3 years in the wild.

How many Tussac-birds are there today?

There are an estimated 10,000 breeding pairs on the Falkland Islands.

Do Tussac-birds have any natural predators?

Tussac-birds are preyed upon by rats and cats.

7 Terrific Tussac-bird Facts

• Tussacs are quite tame and approach humans.
• They are scarcer on the mainland and Falkland islands with introduced predators like rats and cats.
• There are two subspecies: Cinclodes antarcticus antarcticus and Cinclodes antarcticus maculirostris, the latter being slightly larger.
• They are one of the few passerines that stay along coasts.
• Often found near seal and sea-lion haul-out locations.
• Human feet may turn up tasty insects and grubs, explaining their friendliness.
• They have been seen drinking blood from the wounds of sea lions and seals.