As a fairly common species with a stable population, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated this bird as being of "least concern".

Its range extends on the western slopes of the Andes from the Chocó Department of Colombia southwards to the El Oro Province of Ecuador.

It normally occurs at higher altitudes than the closely related lemon-spectacled tanager (Chlorothraupis olivacea) and can be told from that species by its brown-tinged underparts and its lack of a yellow ring round the eye.

[3] It forms small groups of up to a dozen or so birds which move noisily through the understorey of the forest, chattering loudly as they go.

One or more birds may sing in the early morning, each perched in a prominent position, emitting loud, raucous noises, often in concert with other members of the group.