The Daubenton’s Bat is a very common bat that can be found throughout England near ponds, canals, lakes and slow-flowing rivers. It is sometimes called the ‘water bat’ because it flies just a few centimetres above the water surface when it hunts for food.

The Daubenton’s Bat has large furry feet which seem out of proportion to the rest of its body. It has fluffy reddish-brown fur on its back and yellow-brown fur on its underside. It also has a hairy pink-brown face with a bare skin patch around each eye. Its ears are broad and triangular-shaped and its wings are broad and black. The Daubenton’s Bat is a slow flier that often hovers over water when it hunts for food such as mayflies and midges.

In summer Daubenton’s Bats roost communally in tunnels, under bridges, caves, cellars, mines and tree holes. They sometimes roost near to other species of bats like the Pipistrelle, the Brown Long-eared Bat and the Noctule Bat. They often leave their roosts for the night about one hour after sunset and feed throughout the night. In winter Daubenton’s Bats prefer to hibernate in caves, mines and under bridges that are not used.