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This is a very common breeding resident species, which is widespread in Asia, from India, east to south China, Nepal and Indonesia. Six subspecies have been recognized. The subspecies that occurs in Sri Lanka, C. s. parroti is found in peninsula India. The upper back of this subspecies is black and the wings of the juveniles do not have any bars.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species through out the country from the north to the south and from the highest hills to the arid lowland and everything in between. It is still seen in gardens in the city of Colombo. It is now common in the Horton Plains national park as well.

It is a very common species in Wilpattu and can be seen during most game drives within the park.