[3][4] At one time, the planalto hermit was suggested to belong to a monotypic genus Anisoterus but this treatment was quickly rejected.

[6] Major taxonomic systems place the planalto hermit in a wide swath of Brazil south of the Amazon rainforest, eastern Bolivia, northern Argentina and much of Paraguay.

[6] The planalto hermit's nesting season is not fully defined but appears to span from August to April.

In contrast to most other Phaethornis hermits, it hangs the nest from a vertical branch, in a cavity of a rock face, and also in or under human structures like culverts, bridges, and abandoned buildings.

Though its population size and trend are unknown, it is common throughout its large range, occurs in several protected areas, and is well adapted to human-made environments such as gardens and city parks.