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This species is found across the tropical areas of the Indian Subcontinent with some populations depicting a higher degree of plumage variations accepted as subspecies. It is a common species with a marvelous repertoire of whistles found throughout the lowlands up to mid hills. The subspecies found southwestern India and Sri Lanka is multicolor differentiated based on the jet black cap and the mantle of the breeding males.

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.

This is a species found in well-wooded gardens and forested areas throughout the country except for the higher hills. It is still found in areas such as Kotte and Nawala just outside the city of Colombo. I have seen it this species throughout the low country including the Mannar Island and the Jaffna peninsular in the north. The highest attitude at which I have seen it has been at 1540m at Bambarella in the Knuckles forest reserve.

This is a very common species at Wilpattu and can be seen and heard throughout the park.