It is rare and sparsely distributed on rivers in southern Africa, particularly in the Okavango River, but is easily overlooked. No population estimates are available because of the bird's nocturnal and secretive nature and there are only two nest records, with birds laying in March and April. In Namibia, it is found mainly in the Mahango area of the Bwabwata National Park and the banks of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers. It has also been recorded from the Kunene River, and from the Orange River, well outside its range. There are probably fewer than 500 birds in Namibia (less than 1% of the African population). It is classified as Vulnerable in South Africa but not globally.