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| Distribution |
In NC, it occurs over the entire state, but it is migratory and does not breed in much of the eastern half of the state. However, it is considered to winter statewide, though there are many gaps (likely not real) in the range maps.
Ranges over nearly all of the lower 48 states and extreme southern Canada. |
| Abundance |
In summer, it is rather uncommon to perhaps locally fairly common in the mountains and western half of the Piedmont, but is scarce at that season eastward. In migration and in winter, it ranges across the entire state, but is still generally uncommon, as very few have been mist-netted in the winter months (where there has been some effort at sampling in the Coastal Plain at that season). Though there are about 17 "Research Grade" photos on the iNaturalist website (as of 2022), indicating it certainly is not rare, we do not have a feel for statewide abundance levels from other data sources (banding, museum collections, etc.). NatureServe has a Global Rank of only G3G4 instead of G4 or G5, indicating some global concern; the N.C. Natural Heritage Program State Rank of S4 seems appropriate, considering the numerous county records, but many or most records from NC on iNaturalist likely refer to migrants. Thus, the State Rank could be moved to S3S4, but leaving it at S4 is suitable, especially as a number of nearby states -- VA, TN, and KY -- also give the species a State Rank of S4 as well. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Migratory, though seasonal patterns are not totally clear. Lee et al. (1982) state that it is a 'Common migrant and winter resident statewide. May occur as an uncommon summer resident from Winston-Salem west.' |
| Habitat |
Generally around wooded areas with permanent water, but forages mainly over water. It roosts in openings and crevices in trees, as well as in clumps of leaves. At times, they may roost in sheds and other buildings, though generally very close to forests. It does not inhabit caves. |
| Behavior |
This is a slow-flying bat that forages mainly over water during the hours of darkness. It does not roost in colonies and thus data are somewhat difficult to gather on the species. |
| Comments |
Though by no means a rare bat in the state, the fact that it is migratory, does not inhabit caves, and does not roost in colonies, makes it difficult to know the species well, even by bat specialists, and thus it is difficult to know about population trends in the state. Extensive mist-netting efforts east of the mountains have turned up very few individuals, though most such efforts have been in the warmer months (when the species may be mostly absent at that time of year). Nonetheless, there have been a few dozen recent records across the state, and it is clearly not in trouble here. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S4 |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G3G4 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
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| synonym |
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