The characteristic Bzz Bzz Lay-Zee -Day-Zee (ending on a high note) song announces each male's territory, which is defended against other males. Territories are approximately 3-6 acres.

In mid-March, golden-cheeked warblers begin arriving in central Texas from their wintering ground in Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Their stay in Texas lasts until about the end of July.

This bird requires older growth forest with a denser tree canopy where they forage for a variety of insects.

Habitat loss or degradation is the main reason the golden-cheeked warbler is endangered. The clearing of old juniper woodlands for livestock grazing and urban expansion has decreased the area available for nesting.