Colombia (locally in central and eastern Andes, also western slope in northern and south) south to Ecuador (south to Cotopaxi) on western slope and to Bolivia (La Paz, Cochabamba) on eastern slope.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [XC276426]
by Diego Calder\u00f3n (Colecci\u00f3n de Sonidos Ambientales - Instituto Humboldt) from Napo: 'Caba\u00f1as San Isidro', 1-2 km SW Cosanga, Ecuador (song)
Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant (Pseudotriccus ruficeps) [XC518238]
by Fabrice Schmitt from Reserva Los Yalcones, vereda La Castellana, El Palmar, Interfluvio Quebrada El Palmar - Rio Balseros, Colombia (call, non vocal)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Formerly placed in a monotypic genus, Caenotriccus.