The genetic data also show large differences between the northern and southern populations of white-breasted tapaculo.

The throat, chest, and belly are white and the flanks and vent area are chestnut with dark barring.

[4] The white-breasted tapaculo is found in Brazilian states from eastern Bahia south to northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, including western Paraná and eastern Santa Catarina.

[4] One nest was constructed of roots and moss and buried in leaves by a tree trunk.

It has a relatively small and highly fragmented range that is under continuing human pressure.