Present in the understory of semi-dry & semi-humid montane forests & lowlands, in low & mid-Magdalena Valley, and eastern foothills of the Eastern Andes, below 1800m.

Very vocal, especially at mornings, when it hops on the ground and low levels in the interior of the forest. A shy bird that may be difficult to see well. Sometimes found following army ants.

Distributed from central Panama to Venezuela, Guyana & nw Brazil.

Can be seen in Laguna de Tabacal (La Vega) and Santa Marta Mountains.