Readily recognizable since it is the only uniform plain-brown woodcreeper of large size to be found high in the Andes (1900 – 3000m).  Rare and local, it is present throughout the three Andean ranges of Colombia and south into Ecuador & Perú.

It can be seen in Río Blanco (Caldas) and along the old trail to Acaime & La Montaña Nature Reserve above Salento (Quindío).