This flowerpiercer inhabits Andean forest edges and scrub. Males are black and females brown, with white tufts on the sides in both; juveniles may show little or no white.
Males are black with white tufts on the sides. Females are brown and also have white side tufts; juveniles may show little or no white.
It occurs at montane forest edges and in scrub. The account also notes adults flicking their wings.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.