It occurs southwards through to Zimbabwe and to the northern border of South Africa. Its African population is estimated at "several thousand pairs". In Namibia, it is only found in the Caprivi Strip and the Khaudum National Park, with a few sporadic records in north-central Namibia at a reporting rate of 2.5%. It is rare in Namibia, possibly migrating there in wetter periods, with a population that probably does not exceed 100 birds; its area of occupancy is 10,100 km2.