Western and central Andes of Colombia (southern from southern Chocó, and in Antioquia) and western Ecuador (south to Chimborazo).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction and degradation due to deforestation, largely due to intensive logging, human settlement, cattle grazing, mining and coca and oil palm cultivation, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Star-chested Treerunner (Margarornis stellatus) [XC96084]
by Diego Calderon-F. from Galapagos Road, El Cairo \/ San Jose del Palmar, Valle del Cauca \/ Choco, W Andes, Colombia (call)
Star-chested Treerunner (Margarornis stellatus) [XC96082]
by Oswaldo Cortes from Galapagos Road, El Cairo \/ San Jose del Palmar, Valle del Cauca \/ Choco, W Andes, Colombia (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Anatomical data are consistent with the idea that this genus and Premnornis, Premnoplex and Roraimia are each others' closest relatives. Various authors merge one or all of those into present genus.