It forages singly, in pairs, and in family groups and sometimes as a member of a mixed-species feeding flock.

It typically forages from about 5 m (20 ft) above the ground to the canopy but will feed lower in scrubby areas.

It usually captures prey by gleaning from foliage, stems, vines, and branches, mostly by reaching or short lunges from a perch.

The Bahia antwren's song is a "fast series of very high, rising 'toot' notes, accelerating to a rattle" and lasts two to three seconds.

It has a small and fragmented range and its estimated population of between 4200 and 13,000 mature individuals is believed to be decreasing.

"Coastal forests in Bahia have suffered tremendous reduction in size during the last few decades.

However, "[p]lanned large-scale developments of beach resorts in S coastal Bahia could have a major negative impact on the conservation status of this species".