Pacific slope of south-western Colombia (Nariño) and north-western Ecuador.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction through intensive logging, human settlement, cattle-grazing, mining and coca and palm cultivation, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens) [XC40071]
by Olaf Jahn from Reserva Las Grallarias, Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador (call, foraging calls)
Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens) [XC261764]
by Jonas Nilsson from Esmeraldas: San Vicente Alto, Cordillera de Lachas, Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, Ecuador (call, feeding calls)
Subspecies
Genus sometimes merged into Eriocnemis. Also considered to be close to Urosticte and Ocreatus.