Western Colombia on western slope of western Andes from Antioquia south to southern Cauca (Cerro Munchique), locally on eastern slope of western Andes.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Crested Ant Tanager (Habia cristata) [XC420538]
by Michael Clay from Reserva Natural Bellavista, Ambala, Ibagu\u00e9, Tolima, Colombia (song)
Crested Ant Tanager (Habia cristata) [XC89852]
by Oswaldo Cortes from DMI Agualinda, Apia, Risaralda, Colombia (alerta)
Subspecies
Molecular-genetic evidence indicates that this genus may form a monophyletic group with Piranga and Chlorothraupis, and that all three are more closely related to cardinals (Cardinalidae) than to true tanagers.