This flowerpiercer occurs in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia. The southern Peruvian form albilinea is described as mostly black, matching a field report from Abra Malaga in Cusco.
The southeastern Peruvian form albilinea is described with black underparts and a blue shoulder patch. Its moustache-like stripe is pale ochre to creamy white in front and more ochre behind. A 2017 field report from Abra Malaga also describes the bird as mostly black.
It uses humid montane woodland, low cloud forest, elfin forest, and woody shrubs. Its diet includes many insects and some nectar.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.