This species prefers the moist woodlands and forests of sub-Saharan Africa and is thus coined in Namibia to the north-eastern parts of the country. It is uncommon (or overlooked) in the forests of Zimbabwe and eastern South Africa, and a few records exist for Namibia, mainly from the Zambezi region. It probably extends its range in wet years, explaining its presence in areas west of Etosha National Park and a breeding pair with a subadult in the broad-leafed woodlands near Tsumkwe.