This small hummingbird occurs in Oaxaca, southern Mexico. Cinnamon-colored feathers on its sides are a notable field mark, although checklists differ on its taxonomic rank.
The wagneri form has conspicuous cinnamon coloration on the sides. AOS committee comments identify this plumage difference while recording disagreement about its taxonomic significance.
It is resident in forest, woodland, and semi-open habitats and feeds on nectar. The species account gives an elevational range of about 250–900 m.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.