It is generally considered endemic to the humid Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, but there are two unconfirmed records from Misiones in Argentina.

It has a whistled call and pairs will sing in duet, but it is typically fairly quiet and therefore easily overlooked.

It has been recorded feeding on seeds, fruits, flower buds, nectar and some insects.

Much of the original forest cover in its range has been removed in favour of cultivated crops like tobacco and bananas.

Now mostly restricted to remnant forest strips on slopes and ridges, which cover far less than 10% of the original range.