It is a resident breeding bird endemic to the Gulf slope of north-eastern Mexico.

[2] The Altamira yellowthroat is 13 cm (5.1 in) long and has a yellow-green back and bright yellow belly.

The adult male has a black face mask and yellow crown.

Vocalizations are very similar to those of common yellowthroat and are not readily distinguishable to the human ear.

[2] The species is resident in freshwater marshes (including canals and drainage ditches), especially those with cattails.