This, the largest shrike in southern Africa, is one of a handful of species that occurs in both the Zambezi and Kavango East mesic woodlands, as well as in riverine bush near the Kunene River in north-west Namibia. On the Kunene River it is very rare, whereas it is more common in the Chobe, Zambezi and Okavango river woodlands. It occupies an area of 6,100 km2 of which 12% occurs in protected areas. Elsewhere, it occurs commonly through Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana and northern and southeastern South Africa. It is recorded all year in Namibia but at a low rate of 7%. It is not found in areas with rainfall below 500 mm or at altitudes above 1,500 m.