It is normally regarded as monotypic, although some authorities recognise the smaller birds in the Congo Basin as the subspecies Aerospiza castanilius beniensis.

[4][5] The chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk occurs in west central Africa from southern Nigeria through Cameroon and Gabon to Democratic Republic of Congo.

[3] It is found mainly in lowland tropical rainforest, mainly in the middle storey but it can adapt to dense secondary growth and will approach habitation in the forest.

As it is rarely seen in the open it is presumed to be a still hunter which sits in the cover of foliage and sallies out to catch prey.

Has been known to enter houses after poultry and to follow driver ant columns to ambush the attendant small birds.