The foraging behavior of this warbler is unique among our warblers: it feeds nuthatch-style, climbing up and down the trunks and branches of trees, probing for insects and insect larvae. Because it need not wait for insects to emerge, it is one of the earliest spring migrants. Its distinctive call sounds like a high-pitched squeaky wheel. This species nests throughout most of eastern and central U.S. and Canada. Surprisingly, it nests on the ground. Females are known to perform distraction displays when disturbed.