This inhabitant of the Mississippi Valley is locally common, notably in parts of Missouri but rarely visits the Eastern States. It prefers the river vallies and hillsides of streams emptying into the Mississippi. Altho it migrates occasionally in small flocks, the individuals distribute themselves evenly over their nesting areas. They prefer the higher parts of trees and seldom forage among the lower branches. They are expert flycatchers and frequently follow their insect quarries in zigzag pursuit to the ground. Their song resembles that of the Black and White Warbler but is more slurred.
Central United States, east to New York and west to the Great Plains.