The Dusky-throated Hermit is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and at upper elevations is the only smaller hermit in range, though at lower altitudes it occurs sympatrically with the much brighter plumaged and even smaller Reddish Hermit (Phaethornis ruber). The present species is generally brownish with a greener back, and slightly more ochre-colored underparts. Over most of its range, the only other hermit is the considerably larger and longer billed Scale-throated Hermit (Phaethornis eurynome). Geographically, the Dusky-throated Hermit is found from Espírito Santo south to Santa Catarina, within which region it occurs in humid forest and dense second growth, from sea level to at least 2250 m.