This well-known species is virtually endemic to South Africa and an uncommon resident in Namibia, found only along the Orange River. In Oranjemund, it occurs regularly in some gardens and breeds at the Oranjemund Golf Club; females with brood patches have been ringed next to the golf course. Birds have been recorded at Vellorsdrif, 250 km east of Oranjemund. It also roosts and nests in reeds that are frequent along the river, but Simmons & Allan (2002) did not ind it in 50 km surveys east of Noordoewer. The population along the lower Orange River is disjunct from that found in Little Namaqualand, South Africa. It occupies an area of 1,800 km2, of which 8% occurs within the protected areas of the /Ai-/Ais and Tsau//Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) national parks.