This small flycatcher inhabits humid Andean forests. Sighting and photographic records of its subspecies are reported from Colombia's eastern Andean slope.
A 2020 paper proposed Scotomyias for four species, including this one. Males in the group have a semi-concealed orange or yellow crown stripe; the upperparts are dull olive or brown, and the underparts pale yellowish, with subtle olive streaks on the chest and sides.
The four-species group including this taxon is described as using undergrowth and thickets in humid Andean forest. The birds usually occur in pairs or family groups and catch prey in short sallies from low perches.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.