The slaty bristlefront (Merulaxis ater) is a member of the Neotropical bird family Rhinocryptidae, the tapaculos.

Both sexes have a crest of short stiff feathers that stand erect at the base of the bill and forehead.

[5] The slaty bristlefront is found only in southeastern Brazil, in a narrow band near the Atlantic coast from Espírito Santo south to Santa Catarina.

It was constructed by both members of a pair using twigs, narrow leaves, and leaf stems with a lining of lichen.

The slaty bristlefront begins its song with a series of clicks followed by a trill described as "hysterical laughter".