It is found in the Andes of northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and western Venezuela.

The juvenile's supercilium and upperparts are less warm and its underparts dull gray brown with darker speckles.

Subspecies T. s. solitarius differs from the nominate with darker upperparts and cheeks, a paler throat, and less reddish flanks.

[3] The mountain wren breeds at almost any time of year in Colombia and Peru and at least between November and February in Bolivia.

One of the few nests described was a bulky structure, open topped but with a side entrance, made of root fibers and lined with dry leaves.