This species is part of the large New World warbler genus Setophaga.

[3] Some taxonomists have considered this species conspecific with the North American prairie warbler.

[2] This species bears a stark resemblance to the prairie warbler, sharing its streaking on the belly, yellow-green back, and subtle yellow wingbars, differing with the intensity of the black streaks.

Due to the species small population and range, it is susceptible to habitat destruction, its current foremost threat.

However, due to its tolerance of limited human disturbance, the IUCN classifies it as near threatened.