It occurs in semi-arid country, rocky areas and deep canyons mainly at elevations of 2,750-3,850 m (Schulenberg et al. 2007, F. Angulo in litt. 2012, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020). In less disturbed areas, it apparently inhabits steep, dry slopes with cacti, agaves, bromeliads, shrubs and other xerophytic plants, and is normally recorded near streams and running water (Garrigues 2001, F. Angulo in litt. 2020). The species appears to tolerate habitat modification; however, it is not known whether it can complete its life-cycle or occur at normal densities in heavily cultivated areas. (F. Angulo in litt. 2020, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020). It has been observed in areas described as partly cultivated, through to heavily cultivated land with many Eucalyptus trees (B. P. Walker in litt. 1997, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020), and it appears to be dominant over all other hummingbirds at flowering woody shrubs and trees (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007). The species is nectarivorous, preferably feeding on flowers of Delostoma integrifolium (Cuadros 2019). Two nests (one in construction) were found in February 1999, each concealed in the overhang of road cuttings (Garrigues 2001). Of three nests found in February 2001, two were used twice within the same year: in December 2001 one had two young, and the other had a female apparently incubating eggs (J. Flanagan in litt. 2002).

Taphrolesbia griseiventris occurs in the Andes of north-central Peru, where it is known from nine localities, on the Pacific slope in Cajamarca, in the río Marañón drainage in Cajamarca and Huánuco, and in the Huascaran National Park in Ancash. There have been very few records since 1950: in Cajamarca, two males where the main road from Cajamarca to the coast crosses to the Pacific slope, in the early 1990s (B. P. Walker in litt. 1997); a female feeding nestlings in February 1999, near the río Chonta, south-east of Cajamarca (Garrigues 2001); a female nest-building above Sucre, south-west of Celendín in February 1999 (Garrigues 2001); in Huánuco, near Cullcui in 1983 (where it was also recorded in 1922) (T. S. Schulenberg in litt. 1994); three or more seen at the bridge where the Huánuco-La Unión road crosses the río Marañón, in 1975 (but not subsequently, despite several searches) (J. P. O'Neill in litt. 1997, W-P. Vellinga in litt. 1997) and three nests near Cajamarca in February 2001, two again occupied in December 2001 (J. Flanagan in litt. 2002). It was been reported in 2006 from Marcabalito, La Libertad (R. Zeppilli per F. Angulo in litt. 2012), and has been seen close to Llanganuco lake, Ancash (Angulo in litt. 2012). Two collecting localities near Cajamarca and one near Cajabamba have produced the greatest number of specimens, but the species has not been seen at any of these sites recently.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II, but no other measures are known. It occurs in Huascarán National Park (F. Angulo in litt. 2012). A new protected area for the species has been proposed (Angulo et al. 2008).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Extensively survey suitable habitat between known sites (T. Züchner in litt. 1999, F. Angulo in litt. 2012, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020). Survey the Sunchubamba Hunting reserve to determine whether the species is found there (F. Angulo in litt. 2012). Assess the population status at known sites (T. Züchner in litt. 1999). Monitor the population trend. Research the biology and habitat preferences of the species (T. Züchner in litt. 1999, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020). Protect known sites (T. Züchner in litt. 1999). Develop a land management strategy (possibly introducing a rotational grazing regime fencing off some breeding and foraging areas) for the Rio Chonta area (near Otuzco village) (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007). Identify preferred food sources, especially in less disturbed areas, and encourage the planting of these by farmers and local communities (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007, S. Cuadros in litt. 2020). Implement an educational campaign on the species in schools and colleges in Cajamarca (H. Lloyd in litt. 2007).