This species is found in the lower and middle storey, undergrowth and bamboo of tall broadleaved evergreen forest between 1,500 and 3,200 m, perhaps moving to lower elevations during the cold season, down to c.300 m in some areas (Collar 2020). It feeds on insects (such as moths, stick-insects, grasshoppers and bugs) and seeds (Collar 2020). 

Harpactes wardi is known from the eastern Himalaya in China, Bhutan, India (currently known from Arunachal Pradesh, northern West Bengal and adjoining Sikkim, where it is apparently local and rare [Rahut 2013, B. Rahut in litt. 2016]), Myanmar (formerly locally common in north, but there are no recent records and it is thought to be generally uncommon) and Viet Nam (previously common on Fansipan, north-west Tonkin, but there are no recent records despite intensive searching) (BirdLife International 2001, eBird 2023).

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions have been initiated for this species, although it occurs in a number of protected areas.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys throughout the range to determine current distribution and abundance, as well as evaluate population trends and rates of range contraction. Conduct ecological studies to identify habitat requirements and assess levels of tolerance of habitat disturbance. Protect areas of suitable habitat, and involve local stakeholders in the conservation of sites targeted for the protection of this species (M. L. Thakur in litt. 2016). Raise awareness of the species and its status.