It is confined to Polylepis woodland, shrubby páramo and edges of montane and elfin forest at 3,040-4,040 m (Ridgely and Greenfield 2001, Tinoco et al. 2009). These habitats are usually intermixed with open páramo and severely disturbed areas which have been converted to livestock pasture or pine plantation, where the species is not found (Tinoco et al. 2009). Its main nectar resources are Brachyotum spp. (Melastomataceae), Berberis spp. (Berberidaceae), and Barnadesia arborea (Asteraceae), but Draba sp. (Brassicaceae), Gentianella sp. (Gentianaceae), Ribes lehmannii (Grossulariaceae), Salvia sp. (Lamiaceae) and Saracha quitensis (Solanaceae) are also visited (Tinoco et al. 2009). Nectar is supplemented with arthropods taken in flight or from plant substrates (Tinoco et al. 2009). It prefers to forage within a couple of metres of the ground. Courtship displays were observed in June and July (Tinoco et al. 2009). Breeding was documented during the rainy season between March and May (Carrasco-Ugalde et al. 2022).

Metallura baroni occurs in Cajas plateau of the Andes in Azuay and Cañar provinces, south Ecuador.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It occurs in two protected areas, El Cajas National Park and Río Mazán reserve (N. Krabbe in litt. 1999, Tinoco et al. 2009, Astudillo et al. 2015).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey suitable habitat to locate additional populations and to refine the distribution limits. Accurately quantify the population size. Research its ecology, particularly breeding and movement. Monitor the population trend.
Ensure effective protection of habitat. Improve land-use management by segregating agricultural, grazing and forest areas. Regulate the use of fire. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.