Appalachian-breeding Vermivora chrysoptera (Golden-winged Warbler) occur at very low densities in mid-elevation forests and agroforestry systems throughout the Andes and isolated massifs of northern Colombia.

This article focuses on the nonbreeding ecology of the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) in northern South America, specifically Colombia, where the steeply declining Appalachian-breeding population spends the nonbreeding season. Based on 2,534 surveys conducted from 2018 to 2023 across six biogeographic regions, the study found very low detection rates (2.13%) compared to Central America (~10%), with warblers primarily occupying mid-elevations (634–2,551 m) that vary inversely with latitude. The species was mostly associated with mature and secondary forests but also occurred in forest edges and agroforestry systems like shade-grown coffee, with some evidence suggesting females use lower elevations and agroforestry habitats more than males. The findings highlight the species’ low density and narrow elevational and habitat preferences in Colombia, suggesting conservation efforts should prioritize protecting or restoring forest habitats at mid-elevations to support the nonbreeding population linked to the Appalachian breeding grounds.