It was described by John T. Zimmer as Schistocichla leucostigma brunneiceps, a subspecies of the spot-winged antbird (now M.

[4] A 2007 study of the vocal characteristics of the then many subspecies of the spot-winged found significant differences between the taxa.

Based on this evidence the brownish-headed antbird was promoted to species status and given its English name.

[8] The brownish-headed antbird's nest is a deep open bag slung between supports.

The clutch size is two eggs which are whitish with heavy dark mauve to purplish brown markings.

[9] The species' calls apparently are the same as those of the spot-winged antbird, which include a "long, downslurred, typically frequency-modulated whistle", an "abrupt unclear note given singly or in series of 2–5", and a "short rattle".

"Regions inhabited by species also encompass extensive areas of intact habitat which are not formally protected, but seem unlikely to be threatened by development in the near future.