Urosticte benjamini is a small hummingbird that inhabits the humid slopes of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, primarily between 3,000 and 6,600 feet above sea level. It resides in subtropical and cloud forests, especially near the edges of forest patches, flowering shrubs, and streamside vegetation. Males are distinguished by their iridescent green plumage, a forked tail, and a prominent pink to purple central chest patch that can flash under certain lighting angles. Females lack this throat spot and have more white on the underparts, with green speckling on the flanks and a shorter, rounded tail. The species is generally sedentary but may move short distances to follow blooming cycles of key nectar-producing plants.

Urosticte benjamini feeds mainly on nectar, often preferring tubular red or orange flowers found in the mid-story and canopy. It uses hovering flight to access flowers but also perches when feeding. In addition to nectar, it supplements its diet with small insects captured midair. Males are territorial at rich floral patches and frequently engage in chases to deter rivals. This species is usually solitary outside of breeding, and little has been published about its nesting habits, though it is presumed to follow a similar pattern to other highland hummingbirds—constructing cup-shaped nests using moss and spider silk. The population size is is currently categorized as stable.