Small antshrike of lowland rainforest understory. Males are slaty gray overall. Most individuals, but not all, have a ragged black throat patch. Females are dull brown with buffier belly. Shorter-tailed than similar Bluish-Slate and Cinereous Antshrikes, with less upright posture (songs also differ significantly). Smaller-billed than similar Plain-winged Antshrike. One of the most prominent leaders of understory multi-species flocks.