This species occurs from west Africa, through central Africa, to the south-eastern regions of southern Africa. It is often localised in its distribution in suitable deciduous thickets and the understorey of riparian forests. There are only two Namibian records from SABAP1, both from Katima Mulilo and occupy an area of 720 km2. A more recent record is from dense riparian woodland on the Okavango River near Divundu. Although it may be overlooked, its occurrence in north-east Namibia may be limited by woodland cutting and burning, as has been recorded elsewhere in southern Africa.