Setophaga magnolia, commonly known as the Magnolia Warbler, is native to North America. Its breeding range extends throughout the boreal forests of Canada and northeastern United States. During the winter, the species migrates to Central America and the Caribbean, including countries like Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, as well as islands such as Cuba and Jamaica.

The Magnolia Warbler primarily inhabits dense, young coniferous and mixed forests during the breeding season. These forests often have a significant understory of shrubs. In winter, the species occupies a range of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas. The climate in these regions varies from temperate during the breeding season to tropical in the wintering grounds.

This species is well-adapted to life in dense, vertical structures within forests, where it forages for insects and spiders. Its ecological niche involves gleaning these prey items from the surface of leaves and branches. The warbler's presence in both breeding and wintering habitats highlights its adaptability to different environmental conditions, maintaining its role in insect control across diverse ecosystems.