It is endemic to the island regency of Taliabu in Indonesia.

[1] It has a very small, restricted distribution in a few square kilometers of a mountainous region of the island.

It can be distinguished from other members of the genus Locustella by its unique vocalizations, as well as the fine dusty speckling on its body which increases towards the breast and lower throat.

It was described in 2020 alongside 9 other new species and subspecies of birds endemic to islands in Wallacea.

Due to its very restricted distribution, it is potentially at major risk from wildfires and logging.