It occurs in lowland coastal rainforest, cerrado, plantations and parks throughout its Atlantic forest range. It forages in the understorey and middle strata, usually on the periphery of vegetation on nectar and occasional invertebrates. Males defend territories against conspecific intruders and other hummingbirds. Breeding occurs between November and February.

This species is endemic to coastal northeast Brazil, where it is known from Pernambuco and Alagoas. It possibly occurs also in Sergipe and northern Bahia, although there are no recent records (Schuchmann et al. 2020, WikiAves 2021). Reports from eastern Pará are probably erroneous, and it is known from just one type specimen in Guyana, although the true origin of the specimen is uncertain (Schuchmann et al. 2020).

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It occurs in several protected areas across its range, including Pedra Talhada State Park and Frei Caneca Reserve. It is included in a multi-species action plan for the conservation of birds in the Caatinga (ICMBio 2019).

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Search for the species in areas of suitable habitat in Sergipe and Bahia. Survey to produce a more precise estimate of the population size. Study its ecology and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Monitor the population trend. Protect remaining habitat within the range. Effectively protect areas where the species occurs.