In the revised classification to create monophyletic genera, the Andean emerald was moved by most taxonomic systems to the resurrected genus Uranomitra that had been introduced in 1854 by Ludwig Reichenbach.

Both sexes of all subspecies have a straight to slightly decurved bill of medium length with a blackish maxilla and a coral red mandible with a dark tip.

Juveniles are similar to the adult female and also have brownish edges on the upperparts' feathers and grayish brown flanks.

[9] The Andean emerald forages for nectar at a variety of flowering herbs, vines, and trees, usually from the middle to upper strata of the forest.

It builds a cup nest of treefern scales and plant fibers bound with spiderweb and with lichen on the outside.

The Andean emerald has a quite variable song, typically described as "a repeated complex phrase of high-pitched squeaky whistles, trills and scratchy notes."

[9] The IUCN has assessed the Andean Emerald as being of Least Concern, though its population size and trend are unknown.