Despite its showy plumage and being relatively common in the city of Rio de Janeiro, this bird is rarely noticed by cariocas. Measuring about 16 centimeters, the Chestnut-backed Antshrike has plumage with black and white striped patterns all over its body, with the exception of its wings and tail, which are brown in color. While the male has a black tuft, the female has a brown tuft. Its vocalization is unmistakable, being almost always identified by the observers by its singing, before being seen in the branches of the trees. It is usually hidden among the foliage, hunting for insects, often as a couple. It can be seen and, mainly, heard in the trees of the Campus of Praia Vermelha facing the street Lauro Müller.