The Scale-throated Hermit is distributed in south-east Brazil and adjacent areas of Paraguay and Argentina. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. It is found in the under-storey of Atlantic Rain Forest, semi-deciduous forest and secondary growth.

Its most notable features are the dark feathers on the throat which give it the scaly appearance, the broad white tips to the tail and the yellowish lower mandible.

It feeds on nectar by trap-lining and on insects.