Arremon schlegeli is native to the tropical and subtropical lowland forests of northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, with its distribution concentrated primarily along the Caribbean slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and nearby areas. It prefers dense understory habitats in humid or semi-humid forest edges and secondary growth, typically between 650 and 5,000 feet in elevation. This bird, known as the golden-winged sparrow, is generally sedentary and does not migrate. It is rarely seen outside its natural range, and there are no verified reports of it establishing populations beyond its native distribution. Its plumage is distinctive, with slate-gray underparts, black head and throat, white cheek patch, and bright yellow shoulders formed by its wing coverts. The species typically forages on or near the ground in pairs or small family groups, scratching through leaf litter for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. It is not known to frequent urban environments and remains restricted to forested areas. Vocalizations consist of sharp chips and high-pitched whistles, and it is often detected by sound before being visually located. The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.