In Venezuela, it is associated with moist areas in multistratal tropical evergreen forest (Handley 1976). Found in rainforest and openings in the forest such as marshes and plantations, and in montane forest (Emmons and Feer 1997). Also in in secondary growth at the edge of primary evergreen forest and in mature evergreen forests. This species roosts in tree hollows in groups of up to eight (Goodwin and Greenhall 1961). Occurs up to 1,300 m.

This species inhabits eastern parts of Venezuela, the Guianas, Suriname, southeastern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, northern and eastern Brazil and Bolivia (Griffiths and Gardner 2008). Another population has been recorded in western Ecuador and extreme northwestern Peru (Tumbes).

The species occurs in a number of protected areas, of several sizes and categories, throughout its range. However, forest retention is required at some specific regions.