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) [XC550618]
by Bernabe Lopez-Lanus from Forestal Belga (Cruce Caballero), San Pedro, Misiones, Argentina (song)
Tufted Antshrike (Mackenziaena severa) [XC502890]
by Arthur Gomes from PP Urugua-i, Misiones, Argentina (call)
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).