This hummingbird is recorded from the Pacific side of Peru and Ecuador to northern Chile. It uses coastal scrub and vegetation along seasonal river valleys; adult males have very long tail feathers.
Males have green upperparts, mostly white underparts with greenish sides, a pink-purple gorget and a very long tail. Females have green upperparts, whitish or buff underparts, and a shorter, rounded tail.
In 2010 observations in Chile's Azapa and Vítor valleys, males defended distinct territories and used a few regular perches. Researchers recorded few natural courtship displays.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.