There are only a few records from Namibia of this small flycatcher, which is endemic to southern Africa. It is common in South Africa but has only been recorded from the Orange River to the east of the Huns Mountains and the /Ai-/Ais National Park, and north from the Fish River to the Brukkaros volcanic remnant. The species is recorded only during the winter and spring in Namibia, and birds disappear in summer when they are breeding elsewhere.