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==Ecology==
The northern parula is considered a monogamous species; however, a few cases of [[Animal sexual behaviour#Polygamy|polygamy]] have been reported. Southern populations can start breeding as soon as March but in the north of the range, the species does not nest until May. The breeding habitat is humid woodland with growths of Old Man's Beard [[lichen]] or [[Spanish moss]]. Northern parulas nest in trees in clumps of these fungi (Old Man's Beard; ''Usnea'') or plants (Spanish moss; ''Tillandsia usneoides''), laying 3–7 eggs in a scantily lined cup nest. Sites located near water sources are preferred and many nests are found at the end of branches suspended over water. Due to their longer breeding season, southern parulas frequently raise two broods, as opposed to northern ones who raise only one. The female hollows out a clump of vegetation in the moss and proceeds to fill the cavity with vegetation fibers, animal hair, grass, or pine needles. These nests average {{convert|7|cm|in|abbr=on}} in outside diameter. The incubation period typically lasts 12
The northern parula forages mostly or entirely on terrestrial [[invertebrate]]s. Prey items include [[spider]]s, [[damselflies]], [[locust]]s, [[Hemiptera|bugs]], [[grasshopper]]s, [[aphid]]s, [[beetle]]s, [[caterpillar]]s, [[flies]], [[wasp]]s, [[bee]]s, and [[ants]]. Regardless of season, caterpillars and spiders are consumed most often. During the winter, the northern parula consumes more beetles and occasionally forages on berries, seeds, and nectar. This species primarily captures prey from vegetation by a hover-glean method, however this species is versatile in using a variety of foraging methods. It may make short flights from a perch to snatch prey in mid-flight or even hang upside-down to forage. It is most often seen foraging in the mid- to upper canopy levels of vegetation. Though most foraging activity occurs in arboreal vegetation, this species occasionally forages on or around the ground as well.<ref name="Moldenhauer"/>
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