Setophaga americana, commonly known as the Northern Parula, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution includes parts of Canada, the United States, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands. The Northern Parula breeds in southeastern Canada and the eastern United States as far west as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and winters in Central America, the southern tip of Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The Northern Parula typically inhabits moist, deciduous, and mixed woodlands, particularly those with abundant mosses and lichens, which it uses for nesting. It prefers habitats near water bodies such as swamps, bogs, and lakes. The climate within its habitat varies by region, but generally includes humid, temperate zones during the breeding season and tropical or subtropical climates in its wintering areas.

The Northern Parula plays an important role in its ecosystem as an insectivorous bird, feeding primarily on insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits. Its presence helps control insect populations, and it serves as prey for larger birds and other predators. Its preference for nesting in epiphyte-rich environments also contributes to the maintenance of these unique plant communities.