This glossy-black flowerpiercer has a distinctive silvery patch on the shoulder. Most similar to Black Flowerpiercer, which is smaller and lacks the shoulder patch in most of its range (although in east Andes in Colombia, Black Flowerpiercer has a small gray shoulder patch). Sexes similar. Also note the typical flowerpiercer bill: uniquely upswept with a hooked tip. Found in the Andes from western Venezuela to northern Peru from around 2,700–3,700 m. Typically seen singly or in pairs foraging at all levels in stunted forest and shrubby woodlands. Usually found in more humid areas than Black Flowerpiercer. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks.