Eastern and south-eastern Brazil (eastern Alagoas and eastern Bahia south to extreme eastern Mato Grosso do Sul, Santa Catarina and northern Rio Grande do Sul), eastern Paraguay (east of R Paraguay; one record on western bank, in south-eastern Alto Paraguay) and extreme north-eastern Argentina (Misiones).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Spot-backed Antshrike (Hypoedaleus guttatus) [XC777145]
by JAYRSON ARAUJO DE OLIVEIRA from RPPN Serra Bonita, Camacan-BA, Bahia, Brazil (call)
Spot-backed Antshrike (Hypoedaleus guttatus) [XC727267]
by Mateus Gon\u00e7alves Santos from Laurentino, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil (alarm call, call)
Subspecies
Genus presumed related to Thamnophilus on basis of external morphology, especially the strongly hooked bill, but supporting molecular or other evidence unavailable. Relationships uncertain. Historically placed after Cymbilaimus because of similarity of bill morphology, and ecology also somewhat similar. Paler northern birds (Alagoas south to Espírito Santo) described as subspecies leucogaster, but apparently broad zone of intergradation with southern populations exists, with both extremes as well as intermediates occurring in Sao Paulo. Racial division considered unwarranted.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet