Both sexes have similar rufous-brown and white plumage. In southeastern Peru's moist mountain forests, it searches near the ground for beetles, ants, and spiders.
It is dark rufous above, with a white throat and belly and rufous-brown sides and flanks. A ragged, white-spotted breast band is usual; birds in northern Cordillera Vilcabamba have a pale-yellow wash below. The sexes are alike.
It uses moist montane forest, especially tangled borders and bamboo stands. Near the ground it hops among fallen leaves, moss, and mud to take beetles, ants, and spiders.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.