It was once considered a subspecies of the Tahiti reed warbler.

It occurs in second-growth forest as well as Polynesian 'ohe thickets (and likely breeds exclusively in the latter) in river valleys and hillsides.

It was last seen in 1987, and was previously feared to have gone extinct due to habitat destruction by hydroelectric power, road-building, and exploitation of bamboo, as well as the introduction of the invasive species such as the miconia tree, the common myna, and the feral cat.

However, two unconfirmed sightings in the 21st century indicate that it may possibly survive in very low numbers.

[1] A 2018 study recommended downlisting the species from Critically Endangered or possibly extinct to just Critically Endangered.