In the Peruvian Andes, this ground-tyrant is associated with high-altitude bogs and cushion plants, at 3,700–4,900 m in the Peru Aves account. It can be locally common where suitable habitat occurs.
About 24 cm long, it is grayish above and whitish below. The amount of white on its forehead and supercilium varies; the account describes more extensive white in some males and a narrower band in some females. Long wings have broad silvery-white edges that can make the folded wings look white.
It is closely associated with high-altitude bogs and cushion plants. The Peru Aves account records it at 3,700–4,900 m; it is generally uncommon but may be common at sites with the right habitat. That account does not describe its diet or feeding technique in detail.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.