Bats of the United States and Canada

Big Free-tailed Bat, Nyctinomops macrotis

114 bats of the united states and canada BIG FREE-TAILED BAT Nyctinomops macrotis Special Concern–United States Weight is 25–30 grams (0.9–1.1 ounces); wingspan is 42–44 centimeters (17 inches); distribution is in the southwestern United States, Caribbean, and Central America through northern South America. The big free-tailed bat inhabits rocky country, where it roosts in crevices high up on cliff faces. It has been known to roost in buildings. This bat leaves its roost late, when it is quite dark. As the species is incapable of hibernation, the northern populations are believed to be migratory. In Utah, the northern part of the distributional range of the species, individuals are present from the latter half of May to mid-September, but none are present in winter. This bat is a fast and powerful flier, and after the young are weaned, individuals may appear hundreds of kilometers beyond what seems to be the usual range. Records of accidental occurrence are widespread in North America. There are autumn records from Iowa and British Columbia. When foraging , the big free-tailed bat usually emits a loud piercing chatter. Parasites include bat bugs and fleas. Diet consists primarily of large moths but may include crickets, flying ants, stinkbugs, and leafhoppers. Maternity colonies are formed by females, who give birth to one baby in June or July. The big free-tailed bat is uncommon throughout most of its range and has been proposed for listing as threatened or endangered. recto runninghead 115 ...