Many spinetails are found in thick understory, but Red-faced is an arboreal species that uses middle and upper levels of forests and edges. Usually seen accompanying a mixed-species flock, probing around tangles and leaf clusters. Pale grayish-buffy body with bright rufous crown and face, wings, and tail. Sexes alike. Smaller than foliage-gleaners with different color pattern. Accelerating, descending series of sharp chips is a classic sound of mixed flocks in montane forests.