South-eastern Brazil (south-eastern Bahia, east-central Minas Gerais and western Sío Paulo south to northern Rio Grande do Sul), eastern Paraguay (Amambay, Canindeyu, Alto Paraná, Caazapá, Itapuá) and 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).
Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) [XC332842]
by Jerome Fischer from Intervales State Park. Carmo road, Brazil (whistle)
Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) [XC244339]
by Jeremy Minns from Boa Nova wet forest, Bahia, Brazil (song)
Subspecies
Genus presumed related to Thamnophilus on basis of external morphology, especially the strongly hooked bill, but supporting molecular or other evidence unavailable. May be more closely allied with species in genus Frederickena than with Large-tailed Antshrike (Mackenziaena leachii).