The Brasilia Tapaculo was only discovered in 1957 when Brazil's new capital, Brasilia, was under construction. It has subsequently been found in a few other sites but is endemic to a small area of Minas Gerais, Goiás and the Distrito Federal. It is classified as Near threatened by Birdlife International.

Like all tapaculos, they are very difficult to see as they scurry about in the undergrowth. Fortunately, it sings and responds to tape playback but it was not such a "cinch" for me as is suggested in the sitenotes. They seem to be inexpert fliers.

There is a poor illustration in Sick, Plate 45.