Found in the high Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, this hummingbird inhabits cloud forest edges, alpine grasslands, páramo slopes, and shrubby ridges between roughly 8,900 and 12,500 feet. It is generally common throughout this range, with a stable population categorized as Least Concern by most conservation authorities. Foraging is dominated by nectar from Oreocallis grandiflora, accounting for over 90% of feeding events, supplemented by small arthropods that made up 3–7% of observed feeding activity. Activity budgeting revealed 68% perching, 28% feeding, 3% aggressive interactions — largely directed at other hummingbirds — and 2% nonaggressive flight. Territorial defense includes both intra‑ and interspecific aggression, with notable confrontations against Diglossa flower‐piercers. Seasonal altitudinal movement is documented in Colombia. Individuals display a short bill typical of its genus, and, viewed dorsally under proper light, exhibit iridescent hues on the lower back and rump — unusual among hummingbirds, which often highlight throat or head iridescence. They build small cup nests lined with plant fibers and cobwebs and place them anywhere from 13 to 50 feet high, with incubation lasting 16–18 days and fledging achieved after 24–27 days. Photographed in the north-eastern Andes of Ecuador.