Medium-sized antpitta that is almost endemic to the Colombian Andes, but barely makes it over the border into Ecuador. It has chestnut upperparts and hood with a gray breast and belly. Sexes look alike. Inhabits understory of middle- to upper-elevation cloud forest. Usually stays on the ground in deep cover where it is shy and very hard to see; occasionally ascends to a low perch to sing. Usual song is a long, mostly flat whistle repeated every few seconds.