[1][2] The brown-banded antpitta has two subspecies, the nominate G. m. milleri (Chapman, 1912) and G. m. gilesi (Salaman, Donegan & Prŷs-Jones, 2009).

Their crown, nape, back, and uppertail coverts are deep rich raw umber and their rump slightly paler.

Their wings are generally similar to their tail with dusky brown primaries and raw umber coverts.

Both subspecies have a dark brown iris, a black bill with a paler tip, and slate gray to blackish legs and feet.

The species inhabits the temperate zone in areas that are regrowing with Chusquea bamboo or alder trees (Alnus acuminata) following natural disturbance like a landslide.

[8] The species sings at any time of the year, mostly during the morning, and typically from a low perch in dense undergrowth.

"Given that this species appears tolerant, to some degree, of human alteration of its habitat, it may not be under extreme threat except in areas of complete forest clearing.