In South Asia, this species roosts solitary or in small groups of a few individuals among dense canopied trees. It is found in lowlands, hills and near seashores (Molur et al. 2002).The species forages in open areas among paddy fields, grasslands, with a steady and slow flight, and mostly feeds on beetles, termites and other insects. A single young is born (Bates and Harrison 1997). In Southeast Asia, it is considered to be a forest edge species that can be found close to degraded areas (such as agricultural land).

This species is widespread in South Asia and mainland Southeast Asia. In South Asia, it is widely distributed species and is presently known from Bangladesh (Dhaka Division), Bhutan (no exact location), India (Andaman Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal), Nepal (South Central and Mid Western Nepal) and Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura, Northern, Northwestern, Sabaragamuva, Southern, Central and Uva provinces) (Koopman 1993, Myers et al. 2000, Molur et al. 2002, Simmons 2005, Srinivasulu and Srinivasulu 2012, Srinivasulu et al. 2017). In South Asia, it has been recorded up to 1,000 m asl (Molur et al. 2002). In Southeast Asia, it has been recorded from Myanmar, Thailand (including Sunate Karnphum), Lao PDR (Duckworth et al. 1999), Viet Nam (Hendrichsen et al. 2001) and Cambodia (Hendrichsen et al. 2001), and is probably more widespread than is currently known.

In South Asia, there are no direct conservation measures in place for this species and the species has not been recorded from any protected areas. Further studies are needed into the distribution, abundance, reproduction and ecology of this species. Populations of this species should be monitored to record changes in abundance and distribution. General habitat maintenance, conservation and restoration are needed. Public awareness activities are recommended (Molur et al. 2002). In Southeast Asia, the species has been recorded from a number of protected areas and no direct conservation measures are currently needed.