[3] The former "Peruvian" subspecies S. l. intermedius has been elevated to species status as Utcubamba tapaculo by the International Ornithological Congress (IOC).

The "Pacific" subspecies male is black while the female is gray, darker above and lighter below, with brown flanks.

The "Pacific" subspecies inhabits the western slope of the Andes of southwest Ecuador and northwest Peru.

[3] The blackish tapaculo is found in the understory of moist montane forest at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 m (4,900 and 13,100 ft).

[3] The blackish tapaculo feeds on and near the ground, gleaning soil, moss, foliage, and stems for small arthropods.