Central and southern Peru: on Pacific slope; in western Andes (Cajamarca to western Arequipa); and from side valleys of R Marañón south to Huánuco and Huancavelica.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Bronze-tailed Comet (Polyonymus caroli) [XC141605]
by Du\u0161an M. Brinkhuizen from Santa Eulalia road, Lima, Peru (call, song)
Bronze-tailed Comet (Polyonymus caroli) [XC54565]
by Du\u0161an M. Brinkhuizen from Huachupampa turnoff, Sta. Eulalia Rd, near San Pedro de Casta, Lima dept., Peru (call)
Subspecies
Genus sometimes merged into Lesbia. Affinities uncertain, but probably closely related to Taphrolesbia.