Tropical Parulas is widely distributed as a breeding species, occupying both montane and lowland forests, and occurring in both deciduous and evergreen habitats. The species is found from south Texas to south to northern Argentina, but does not occur in the Amazon basin. It is resident throughout most of its range, but the northernmost populations migrate south when not breeding. Small active warblers, Tropical Parulas are blue gray above with a black mask through the eye, and intense yellow below with an orange chest band. Tropical Parulas are found singly or in mixed species flocks along wooded borders, often high up in the canopy. Tropical Parulas forage in typical warbler fashion, hoping from branch to branch gleaning insects from foliage.