Plain rufous bird with dark lores and long spiky tail. Sexes alike. Uncommon in the upper subtropics and temperate zone, mostly from 2,000–3,200 m. Could be confused with Rufous Wren but smaller and shier with spiky tail and plain unbarred wings. Pairs or small family groups are found low to the ground, often around patches of bamboo, where they can be tricky to see well. Listen for the single “pweep!” call.