It is found in humid forests in the Andean foothills of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and possibly Bolivia.

[3][4][7] The wire-crested thorntail is one of the smallest birds on Earth, with a mature weight of about 2.5 g (0.088 oz).

Adults of both sexes have coppery green upperparts with a white band across the rump.

Its gorget is iridescent green, the flanks brownish with a white patch, and the rest of the underparts black.

[9] The wire-crested thorntail feeds on nectar, primarily in the forest canopy, and favoring the flowers of Inga trees.

"[9] The IUCN assesses the wire-crested thorntail as being of Least Concern because of its wide range, which also includes several protected areas.