Plump antthrush with a short cocked-tail and long legs. Found in humid montane forests usually occurring at higher elevations than similar antthrushes. Walks quietly on the ground and is very difficult to see. Note rufous crown, olive-brown back, a heavily black streaked belly, and a white throat and eyebrow. Nearly identical in plumage to Such's Antthrush, but Rufous-tailed Antthrushes sing a short and fast ascending trill lasting only 3-4 seconds.