It is an entirely coastal species, found in rocky areas and sheltered bays, breeding on offshore islands in shallow, protected bays (Agüero et al. 2010).

Tachyeres leucocephalus was previously considered to be restricted to the south coast of Chubut province, Argentina (Madge and Burn 1988, Carboneras 1992), but it is now known to have a larger range (non breeding and breeding), with occasional sightings along the coastline from the Valdés Peninsula to the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego (Imberti 2003, M. Pearman in litt. 2003). Its breeding distribution is confirmed restricted to approximately 700 km of coastline (Agüero et al. 2011). The population has been estimated to not exceed 5,000 birds (S. Imberti in litt. 2003), and first systematic surveys along the coast of Chubut province from 2006-2008 gave a total estimate of 3,400-3,700 mature individuals (G. Borboroglu in litt. 2008, Agüero et al. 2011), with key populations at Bahía San Gregorio, Bahía Melo and Caleta Malaspina, all located at northern San Jorge Gulf. It appears to occur at very low densities throughout its range, and is inferred to be declining (Agüero et al. 2011). 

Conservation Actions Underway
The Interjurisdictional Marine Park in San Jorge Gulf contains about 46% of the entire population (Agüero et al. 2011). The entire breeding range has been included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Patagonia Azul, designated in 2015 (Garcia Borboroglu et al. 2015).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct a full and detailed census of the global population and follow up with monitoring to detect any potential declines. Restrict access to parts of its range by tankers and other large ships which might cause significant pollution events. Design management schemes to minimize human disturbance and coastal development at main breeding areas.