PHOTO OF
MFT

 

Description: Body length about 3.4-4.3″, with a 12-14″ wingspan. The fur is uniformly dark brown or dark grey. The tail extends beyond the tail membrane between hind feet. Long narrow wings provide for fast flight.

Range: Migratory. Found from central North America to northern South America.

Habitat: Caves, buildings, under roof tiles and bridges.

Diet: Forage mainly on moths at very high altitude, up to 10,000 feet. Also eat flying ants, weevils, stink-bugs, and ground beetles.

Behavior: Colonial. Emerge at sunset in columns. Mothers give birth to one pup. Pups are able to fly at about 5 weeks. Lifespan is about 15 years.

Risks: Predators include Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, other birds of prey, as well as cats and dogs. Colonies once numbering in the millions have been dramatically reduced in size due to human disturbance and habitat destruction of caves as well as problems with pesticide poisoning and deliberate eradication attempts.

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