Medium-sized tan bird with reddish wings and tail. Forages in the understory and midstory of seasonally flooded rainforest, especially near water. Usually uncommon. Resembles a spinetail or foliage-gleaner. Compared to similar spinetails, the softtail is plainer brown with a thicker gray bill, and is a more acrobatic forager, creeping along tree branches and gleaning prey like a foliage-gleaner. Compared to similar foliage-gleaners (like Chestnut-crowned and Buff-fronted), it is smaller and skinnier, with no noticeable patterning. Listen for a low, prolonged, messy chatter.