Large, terrestrial bird of lowland forest; unlike anything else in range. Appears all dark with paler belly; note long tail, heavy bill, and bare red skin around eye. Uncommon and shy; usually seen alone, on or near the ground, fleeing swiftly on foot at the slightest disturbance. Follows army ant swarms and herds of peccaries to prey on insects and small vertebrates flushed by the animals’ activities. Frequently snaps bill in alarm or while foraging. Far-carrying song is a single, gruff hoot, somewhat recalling Zigzag Heron, repeated at long intervals.