The monogamous and presumably sedentary[4] species is native to dry and mesic woodlands and savannah of southern Africa.

The name of this bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell.

[5] This species is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In the Kalahari they associate with camelthorn trees and also feed on their flowers.

Their food includes flowers, fruit and small animals.