Sharply dressed flowerpiercer with two disjunct populations: one found throughout much of Peru into northern Bolivia, the other isolated in northern Colombia. Looks mostly dark with black upperparts and chestnut belly. Note contrasting chestnut mustache stripe on otherwise black head, and silvery sides and shoulders. Found singly or in pairs, usually foraging in low scrubby vegetation at forest edge or in gardens. Often frequents relatively dry habitats that are not fully forested.