Natalus stramineus occurs from sea level to middle elevations and in habitats ranging from relatively dry (e.g., Barbuda, 925 mm annual precipitation) to rain forest (e.g., Sylvania, Dominica, 3232 mm) (Tejedor 2011). Often capured in xerophitic habitats among dry forest scrub (Pedersen 2005). Only found in dark humid caves, usually in the most remote portions of the cave system. Although its diet has never been studied, N. stramineus is surely insectivorous, as are other representatives of Natalidae. This species can fly very slowly in clutter and that it hunts by slow hawking and/or by gleaning (Tejedor 2011).

The species is known from Islands of Lesser Antilles north of St Lucia Chanel: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Martinique, Montserrat, Nevis, Saba, and Sait Maarten (skeletal remains only) (Tejedor 2006, 2011).

Its apparent requirement for humid caves, points to a limited availability of suitable habitat and therefore to a potential vulnerable status. Therefore, it is important to protect these caves.