The Setophaga petechia, commonly known as the Yellow Warbler, is native to a wide range of regions across the Americas. It is predominantly found throughout North America, where its breeding range extends from Alaska and Canada down through the United States. During the non-breeding season, the species migrates to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern parts of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

The Yellow Warbler inhabits a variety of habitats, primarily preferring open wooded areas, shrubby habitats, and wetlands. It is commonly found in willow and alder thickets, deciduous forests, edges of marshes, and mangrove swamps. The species thrives in temperate to tropical climates, reflecting its broad range of geographical distribution.

As an insectivore, the Yellow Warbler plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, feeding primarily on a diet of insects and spiders, which it forages for among the foliage. The species is also known for its cheerful song, which is important for territory establishment and mate attraction during the breeding season. Habitat variations are evident with some isolated populations, such as the Mangrove Warbler (Setophaga petechia erithachorides), which has adapted to specific local environments such as coastal mangroves.