Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
Description: A medium-sized bat, typically reaching about 4 inches
(102 mm) in length with a wingspan of about 12 inches
(305 mm). The free-tailed bat is so named because the tail protrudes
noticeably beyond the membrane that stretches between the tail and hind
legs. It is the only bat in the eastern United States that has this
trait. These bats are medium to dark brown in color, slightly lighter
on the belly. Their ears are broad and rounded. Toe hairs are
very long and stiff.
Range:
Occurs widely across Central and South America, extending north into the
United States from southern Oregon, northern Utah, southeastern Nebraska,
central Arkansas, northern Alabama, and South Carolina. Vagrant records
have been reported locally across the eastern United States to northern
Illinois.
Kentucky Occurrence Summary: It is believed that this bat may have occurred commonly in Kentucky at some time in the past, but the only recent record is of an individual collected at Murray, Calloway County, in 1971. The species is to be expected only as an occasional vagrant here.
Distribution in Kentucky: 
Habitat and Life History: The Brazilian free-tailed bat is a highly colonial cave bat that has adapted to human structures, where many now roost. In some parts of the southern United States the species is active year round, roosting in buildings, under bridges, and in caves; many also migrate southward into Mexico and Central America. Several caves in Texas harbor millions of these bats during the summer months. Free-tailed bats forage on a variety of flying insects especially small moths and beetles.
Useful links:
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat - Tadarida brasiliensis
Mammals of Texas - Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
Texas State Flying Mammal: Mexican Free-tailed Bat
The Wild Ones Animal Index: Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Wildlife Fact Sheets: Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
