Occupies all desert, brush, grassland, and woodland habitats up through mixed conifer forests. The most abundant bat in desert regions. Common in arid brushlands, grasslands, and woodlands, and uncommon in conifer forests. This species is a yearlong resident in California. Feeds on a wide variety of flying insects, including moths, Diptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, and Coleoptera.
Flight is slow and fluttery.
Feeds at low to moderate heights. Often found foraging over water, in rocky canyons, and along cliff faces. Suitable roosts are most often found in rocky canyons and cliffs. Lactating females may require frequent water. They comprise a large proportion of individuals taken over water sources.