It is found from central Kenya to eastern Zambia, Malawi and north-western Mozambique.

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.

It can be distinguished from the similar chestnut-headed sparrow-lark by the absence of a white patch on the crown of its head.

It is found on short grass plains where it congregates in large flocks except during the breeding season.

[2] The common name of the bird commemorates the German explorer Gustav Fischer.