This species has a wide distribution across the western Palearctic, especially in Mediterranean and temperate latitudes, from Europe to western China (BirdLife International, 2024). In Europe, it is absent from the northern areas of Fennoscandia and the northern half of Russia (Keller et al., 2020). In Spain, it is present in the peninsula, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and Ceuta, but absent in Melilla (Martín and Lorenzo, 2001; García del Rey, 2011; Piculo in SEO/BirdLife, 2022). Its distribution is continuous and homogeneous throughout the peninsula, although it is patchy in the southeastern zone and in Galicia and Asturias.

It is found throughout the Community of Madrid except in the high mountains. It occupies generally deforested, shrubby, or herbaceous habitats, but also penetrates very open forests and dehesas. Its highest abundances in the province occur in irrigated areas, pastures, and juniper scrublands (Díaz et al., 1994).

Within the national park, it has been detected only sporadically and in small numbers, in just four grids at two well-defined points: at the base of La Pedriza (Manzanares River valley) and on the slopes and pastures of the lower part of the Morcuera Pass.