This annual species with a broadly Mediterranean distribution is present in Piedmont (where it is rare), Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, and in all regions of Central, Southern and Insular Italy. It grows in openings of garrigue and maquis vegetation, on uncultivated ground, in dry grasslands, from sea level to about 1600 m, with optimum in the Mediterranean belt. The species is found in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with dry grasslands and ruderal vegetation. The genus name derives from ancient Greek and means 'bird's foot' in reference to the characteristic shape of the legume, which is similar to the nails of the feet of some birds; the species name also refers to the legume, which is flattened. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Ciciareju (Calabria), Erva d'amuri (Sicilia), Forficilla (Calabria), Ornitopo compresso (Italia), Pè de gallo (Liguria, Chiavari), Uccellina compressa (Italia), Uccellina comune (Italia).