This nomadic and migratory species occurs in the eastern half of Africa and is very common in South Africa but rare in Namibia. It is found in small numbers along slow-lowing rivers, including the Orange, Okavango, Kwando, Zambezi and Chobe rivers, and at lagoons, estuaries, permanent or seasonal lakes, pans and pools. It has adapted well to man-made waterways, such as farm or mining dams.