This antbird occurs mainly near the coast of southeastern Brazil. Males are gray and black, while females are brown-toned; the species searches for insects along forest edges and in coastal woodland.
Males have a black forehead and crown, gray upperparts and underparts, black wings and tail with white markings, and a concealed white interscapular patch. Females have a tawny-brown crown and buffy underparts. In males, white on the belly is absent or limited to small spots or bars, helping distinguish the species from the similar Planalto Slaty Antshrike.
It uses the understory and midstory of lowland evergreen forest, forest edges, coastal woodland on sandy soil, and nearby second growth. It is often found at edges and light gaps and feeds on insects and other invertebrates, including moths, larvae, and beetles.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.