Breeds throughout the eastern half of North America from southern Canada southward throughout the southern United States. The species extends westward as far as North Dakota in the north to eastern Texas in the south. Overwinters in American tropics. Found in both coniferous and deciduous woods, particularly if they are wet. The species is commonly found near swamps, lakes, and ponds.
Food is insects.
The nest is almost always hidden in a mass of lichens or spanish moss.