Golden-wings, blue-wings and hybrids frequently nest in dry, upland sites produced by natural succession on abandoned farmland. They also occur in alder swamp and beaver meadows in southern locations and along the edge of tamarack swamps in northern locations. In dry areas the herbaceous growth usually includes goldenrod and the shrubs include dogwood and Viburnum. In wetter areas the vegetation includes sedge and alder, but rarely cattails. They occur in young conifer plantations that still have abundant open areas between the trees. Both occur in openings of several acres in logging clear-cuts.

Golden-wing and blue-wing territories are large, typically 2-4 acres (1-2 hectares). Oblong territories often extend for 600 feet (175 meters). Within the whole territory the vegetation will usually be dominated by herbaceous growth with patches of shrub, including some forested edge. Territories may include some taller trees, especially along edges, which are used as singing perches. Most golden-wing territories have less than 60% herbaceous growth and less than 10% forest cover. Most territories include patches of shrub that are over 10 feet (3 meters) tall and unmowed or ungrazed herbaceous growth. Since golden-wings are found in a wide variety of shrub habitat in natural and manipulated areas, locating suitable habitat may require some preliminary surveys on your part.