Pinus radiata was planted on the sandier river-bottom soils. Specimens in drier and sandier areas are shrub-like, have rhizomes and smaller leaves. The species is less prevalent in areas with sandier soils. In the Chaco region of Paraguay, it is found in the drier, sandier areas. Overall the short-eared tends to be a paler, sandier bird than the long-eared. Most of the plain is treeless prairie, but the sandier belts are forested. Above that is an isolated layer of sandier Claygate Beds.