It is found in the Chocoan rainforests from near sea level to elevations of 1,180 m (3,870 ft) in northwestern Ecuador and western Colombia.

Groin is variably mottled brown or black on pale yellow, yellowish tan, or pink.

The nest was on a river bank, likely to be flooded at the next heavy rain, which is unusual for presumed direct-developing species.

They live mainly along clear, gravely streams flowing through swampy moist rainforest.

Habitat loss caused by agricultural development, logging, and human settlement is probably the main threat to it.