Locally present in the understory of subtropical forests in all three Andean ranges, between 1000-1800m.  For some reason absent from many stretches of apparently adequate forests. A bird from Colombia, Ecuador & Peru.

Pairs or single birds, are easily overlooked. Rather retiring, perches in low branches in the forest understory, sallying for insects in ground or foliage.

Can be seen at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve in the northern Central Andes and Bosque de Yotoco in the Cauca Valley.