The yellow-winged bat has a total length of 58–80 mm (2.3–3.1 in)[2] and a body weight of 28–36 g (0.99–1.27 oz).

[4] This specie's pelage is made of long hairs that are typically pearl grey or slaty gray.

[5] Although the yellow-winged bat has an advanced interfemoral membrane, it lacks an external tail.

[6] The yellow-winged bat has an extensive range throughout sub-Saharan Africa south to northern Zambia.

The bat mostly lives in woodland and savannah habitats and in elevations of less than 2,000 m.[5] They prefer acacia trees and thorn bushes near bodies of water,[7] around which they fly.

[9] Bats travel between primary and peripheral roost trees, especially on hot days, as they may need shade.

Mambas, bat hawks, night tree vipers and common kestrels may prey on this species.

Males and females form pairs during the breeding season and establish their own foraging territories.

Between the foraging periods in the morning and evening, the male visits the peripheral roost, protecting it from potential intruders.

[6] The exact time at which the yellow-winged bat gives birth can vary by region; parturition occurs at the close of the dry season in October in Zambia, while at Lake Baringo in Kenya, it occurs the start of the so-called "long rains" in April.