This is a species with an exclusively circum-Mediterranean distribution, extending from western Europe to Turkey and northwest Africa, reaching central Europe and England (Keller et al., 2020; BirdLife International, 2024). In Spain it is widely distributed, being more abundant in the northern half, especially in mountainous areas and away from agricultural depressions. In the southern half it is restricted to mountain systems such as the Baetic System, Sierra Morena, Montes de Toledo, or the Levantine sierras. It also occurs in Ceuta and Melilla, and in the Balearic Islands, while it is absent from the Canary Islands (Anton & Franch in SEO/BirdLife, 2022).

In the Community of Madrid it is common along the sierra, absent in both the lowest and highest areas, although it reaches significant altitudes. It is also found in the Tajuña river basin and in isolated points to the south. It prefers Mediterranean forest habitats such as stone pine forests and holm oak woodlands, and also occupies riparian woods and parks (Díaz et al., 1994).

Most records in the national park are located in the southeastern third, in the lower-altitude foothill areas with abundant watercourses, forests, and mixed and deciduous formations, south of the Sierra de los Porrones and La Pedriza, and to the east.