It is generally found in moist, open habitats and savanna regions (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). It occurs in open woodland and generally avoids the interior of dense forests. However, it lives in the rainforest zone, and is also found along major rivers. Because it is found either in areas receiving >500 mm rain per year or near swamps and rivers, it is apparently dependent on open water or riparian forests (see Dengis 1996 for references). The populations found on Sao Tomé and Principe are often found in cocoa plantations (Juste and Ibañez 1993). It is often found in built-up areas, roosting under the eaves of houses, particularly face-brick houses (Dengis 1996; Taylor 2000). Roost sites also include cliff walls with overhanging rock shelves and trunks of large trees where shade is always available (see Dengis 1996 for references). The species tends to roost near human settlements (Taylor 2000) and to prefer buildings inhabited by people, rather than buildings under construction (see Dengis 1996 for references).

This species is found throughout much of subsaharan Africa, and is also on several islands (including the islands of Zanzibar (Tanzania), Bioko and Pagalu [Equatorial Guinea], and Sao Tomé and Principe). The most northerly records are from the border area between Senegal and Mauritania and at the head of the Nile River in Sudan. It is present throughout southern and eastern Madagascar but it usually only occurs at lower altitudes and there are no records from the central plateau or above 900 m. It is known from Aldabra, Mauritius, the Comoros and Réunion. Records from the western Cape region in southern Africa are unverified, with known records extending as far south as Mossel Bay. It is also recorded in an isolated location in the Northern Cape, near Hartwater (Taylor 2000, Skinner and Chimimba 2005).

This species is known from protected areas within Madagascar including Zombitse National Park and Ankarafantsika National Park, as well as from many protected areas on the African continent.