The Ovenbird breeds in southern Canada and the USA east of the Rockies but winters in southeastern USA, Central America, northern South America and the West Indies. It is found in forest and woodland with leaf litter where it hunts on the ground for insects and fallen fruit.

The Cubans call it Señorita del Monte and the way it delicately picks its way along the ground, invariably with its tail cocked, really does remind you of a young lady.