Uncommon, medium-sized woodcreeper of humid tropical forest; rarely seen away from army ant swarms. Found singly or in twos and threes, often with Tawny-winged and Northern Barred Woodcreepers at army ant swarms. Mainly perches upright on slender trunks fairly low to the ground, less often at middle levels; often rather sluggish. Overall bright ruddy plumage in combination with behavior is distinctive; also note the pale grayish eyering. Usually rather quiet; at times gives plaintive mew calls and a chipping rattled song.