An uncommon little hummingbird of subtropical or lower montane forests (800-2500m) of both slopes of the Western Andes and west slope of the Central Andes of Colombia. Also, on the west slope of the Andes of Ecuador.

It is regarded as a nectar parasite since it pierces the corolla of the flowers without coming in contact with pollen; thus, it does not act as a pollinator. In doing so, it takes the nectar but does not return the favor to the kind flowers.

It visits the gardens at the lower entrance to Río Blanco and at Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary (lodge gardens & Los Bejucos trail) where it is reliable but may require some degree of patience.

Previously considered as Schistes geoffroyi albogularis, it is now recognized as a full species by Clements & eBird versions 2017 & 2018. Also known as Western Wedge-billed Hummingbird by IOC & Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (2017). The related species Schistes geoffroyi geoffroyi (Geoffroy´s Wedgebill or Eastern Wedge-billed Hummingbird) is restricted to the Eastern Andes of Colombia, northern Venezuela and eastern Peru. Schistes geoffroyi chapmani is restricted to the Andes of central Bolivia (Cochabamba).