The brilliantly colored male is singularly conspicuous among the willow thickets he frequents. Altho lack of water is not characteristic of the southern states where they are distributed, their peet-weet-weets are as sure an indication of the nearness of a river or pond as the notes of the Spotted Sandpiper whose call they so closely resemble.
The GOLDEN SWAMP WARBLER is an extremely active and vivacious bird and is seldom at rest except perhaps when making its morning toilet on the tip of a tall sapling. Its normal decided song is supplemented by a low, sweet "flight" warble given on the wing with uncertain pinions and inaudible at any great distance. In all except intensity of voice, this performance, with head up and tail widely spread, is very similar to its cousin the Yellowbreast Chat's entr'acte.
Eastern United States, north to Virginia, casual to Minnesota, southern Ontario, Central Wisconsin; west, nearly to the Plains. Locally distributed, never far from water.