The Variable Antshrike is about 13–14 cm long, and male plumage differs markedly among regions. In Bolivia it is recorded from the eastern Andean Yungas to southeastern lowlands.
Male plumage varies regionally. The Bolivia species account describes females as having a gray crown and tawny belly.
It uses forest edges and open woodland from dry to wet forest. It is uncommon in mature forest interiors and stays near water in dry areas. It moves alone or in pairs in the understory, is vocal and sometimes joins mixed flocks.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.