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).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) [XC828336]
by Guillermo Men\u00e9ndez (gmmv80) from Angatuba, Angatuba, S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil (alarm call)
Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) [XC462351]
by Franco Vushurovich from Guapiara, S\u00e3o Paulo, 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).