This yellowthroat occurs in western Panama and adjacent southwestern Costa Rica. It uses damp grassland and wetland-edge habitats.
In the AOS comparison with its close relative, it is described as having a slightly larger bill, duller coloration, and a blacker forecrown.
It is reported from damp lowland grass, marshes, wet savanna, and forest edges, and feeds on invertebrates.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.