In 2020 there was a major revision of the Rufous Antpitta complex which resulted in it being split into 11 species. This is the Equatorial Antpitta which is the most widespread and best known of the complex. It is distributed in the Andes from central Colombia to the extreme north of Peru. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. It is found on or near the ground in forest and forest edges and has a particular affinity to bamboo. In Ecuador it is found between 2,200 and 3,300 metres.

It is a small Antpitta with a rather richer rufous than is shown in this misty photo.