It inhabits montane humid forests at elevations of 800-3,100 m (McGowan et al. 1995, P. G. W. Salaman in litt. 1999, Carroll et al. 2020). It is wary and secretive, foraging on the forest floor in dense undergrowth (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990). Two breeding-condition males and one laying female have been found in August, with an immature in July (Hilty and Brown 1986).

Odontophorus atrifrons occurs in northern Colombia and Venezuela. It is known from disjunct sites in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Sierra de Perijá and the northern and north-central East Andes, though its distribution may be wider and more continuous.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas throughout its range, including Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Colombia, and Sierra de Perijá National Park, Venezuela, though these do not necessarily provide adequate protection. It is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Venezuela (Sharpe and Lentino 2015) and as Near Threatened in Colombia (Renjifo et al. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey areas of suitable habitat between known sites to identify additional populations. Accurately quantify the population size. Research its ecology. Monitor the population trend. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Raise awareness for the species with the aim of reducing hunting pressure.