Distribution

Bearded Mountaineer is endemic to central Peru. This species is resident in intermontane valleys (in the Mantaro, Pampas, Apurímac, and Urubamba drainages), from Huancavelica south to Cuzco. 

The elevational range of Bearded Mountaineer is from 2500–3900 m (Fjeldså and Krabbe 1990, Schulenberg et al. 2010).

Endemic to the Americas.

Specialist of dry Andean valleys with scrubby slopes and open woodland. Favorite native vegetation involves mixed sumac (Schinus), trumpet vines (Tecoma), and Carica woodland with many columnar cacti, to mixed Polylepis and Escallonia woods with dense thorny undergrowth (Parker and O'Neill 1980, Fjeldsa and Krabbe 1990). Often found around rocky terrain by streams (Walker 2005). Bearded Mountaineer alsi is very fond of introduced tree tobacco (Nicotiana) and Eucalyptus, which it often favors in appropriate habitat. Thus, this species may be found along roadsides and within towns.

Due to fondness of introduced plants such as tree tobacco and Eucalyptus, it is possible that this species' range may become more plastic as native vegetation is lost (Parker and O'Neill 1980).

None reported.