This tanager is an endemic resident breeder in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Formerly considered conspecific with the green-naped tanager, it is now known that these two species differ geographically and genetically.

[2] It is common from about 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900 to 9,800 ft) altitude in the canopy of epiphyte-laden wet mountain forests, and at lower levels in semi-open areas like clearings with trees, second growth and woodland edges.

The bulky cup nest, lined with bromeliad leaves, is built in a tree fork or on a branch high amongst the epiphytes.

Immatures are generally duller, with no crown patch, and less distinct blue scaling.