[4] The yellow-headed warbler is found in far western mainland Cuba, Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Pines), and the nearby Cayo Cantiles.

It inhabits all available forest types as long as they have a relatively undisturbed understory, and also scrubby thickets in drier areas.

[4] The yellow-headed warbler forages from the ground to the forest mid-level, gleaning rocks and foliage for insects and other invertebrates.

[4] The yellow-headed warbler's breeding season is from March to July, with eggs laid in April and May.

It makes a cup nest of grass, rootlets, and other plant fibers and usually places it fairly low in a bush, vine, or sapling.