When found on the nest, a Wilson's Warbler will typically sit tight. If flushed off the nest, it may return quickly even in an observer's presence. In the East, Wilson's Warblers are relatively uncommon migrants making their way from the highlands of Central America to breed in the thickets and sphagnum bogs of the northern boreal forest. In the West they have a more extensive range and are often one of the most common warbler species. The breeding range extends north to the limit of trees from Alaska to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and in the West south to northern Arizona and southern California.
Typical habitat is relatively wet, with dense ground cover and understory.
For example, in mountainous areas of the West, Wilson's Warblers breed along streams and lakes, in willow and alder thickets, and in alpine meadow edges up to the tree line. Pacific Coast populations use dense conifer forests where openings allow for the growth of a shrub layer. They also breed in the understory of moist broadleaf woodlands, thickets, and open coastal scrub. In migration Wilson's Warblers can be found in a variety of shrubby habitats including suburban hedges and gardens. Wilson's Warblers usually nest on the ground, often hiding their nests under overhanging foliage at the base of a shrub or clump of grass.