This species is the most common of all Namibia's near endemics, with a population size estimated at 1.5 million birds. This is not the result of a large range, since its area of occupancy is similar to several other near-endemics at about 185,000 km2. Instead, it results from very high densities, which can reach 26 birds per km2 in north-west regions of Namibia. Nests can be found as close as 100 m to 200 m apart in prime habitat at the base of inselbergs. It also occurs commonly in Angola, and birds are thought to migrate from Namibia to Angola at certain times of the year, becoming much scarcer in Angola in September and October. With Angola opening up after 40 years of civil war and following a number of recent trips through south-western Angola.