It is found in highland Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, far northeastern Argentina (only Misiones Province), and perhaps far eastern Paraguay.

It draws attention by the very thick, tall and yellow beak at the base.

Its vocalization is by stanza of four strong calls, the third loudest, sings from August onwards.

Just like its counterpart, the real iron crack (Saltator similis), this species feeds on seeds, leaves, insects and fruits (omnivorous).

They live on the edge of the forest, gardens, locally in the high mountains of Southeast Brazil.