[5] The hook-billed hermit is found only at a few sites in the southeastern Brazilian states of Bahia and Espírito Santo in Neotropical realm forest climates.

It probably formerly occurred in Minas Gerais and possibly Rio de Janeiro states, though in the latter it is known only from trade skins that might have originated elsewhere.

[5] The hook-billed hermit is thought to be sedentary or a non migration period lifestyle.

It feeds on nectar at Heliconia and other plants and also on small arthropods, but details are lacking.

[5] The hook-billed hermit's breeding season is believed to span from September to February.

The nest is made from plant material and cobwebs under the tip of a long drooping leaf.