[1][3][4] It is found on the Andes of southern Colombia (Colombian Massif: Nariño Department[1][5]) and northern Ecuador (Carchi and Imbabura Provinces[4]).

The ventral surfaces are paler, varying from dusky gray to brown.

[4] Niceforonia brunnea occurs in high-Andean forest and páramo at elevations of 2,950–4,100 m (9,680–13,450 ft) above sea level.

Niceforonia brunnea can be locally common, but it is suspected that the overall population is declining.

The major threat to it is habitat loss and degradation caused by the expansion of agricultural activities (illegal crops and livestock).