Bats

Bat (Barbastelle)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:59:17 +0000

The Barbastelle bat is a rare bat that can mostly be found in the south of England in woodland areas close to water, but sometimes it will visit large rural gardens. It has a pinky coloured face which is almost pug-like and little white frosted hairs on its lower lip. It also has black broad triangular-shaped ears that join across the forehead.

The Barbastelle bat has long glossy fur on its back which is either dark grey or black with pale cream or yellow tips. The underside is grey-brown and its wings are grey-black with pointed tips. The Barbastelle bat is a slow and skilful flier that likes to fly in direct lines.

Barbastelle bats emerge at dusk and usually fly at tree-top level, but they can also be seen flying close to the surface of water hunting for food. These bats feed on and off throughout the night. In summer they roost in hollow trees, old tree roots and buildings. In winter they hibernate in caves, tunnels and trees. Barbastelle bats often hibernate in large clusters in their roosts where they all hang down freely from the ceiling. Sometimes they hibernate individually in narrow cracks.

Bat (Bechstein's)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:01:11 +0000

The Bechstein’s Bat is the most endangered bat in England and can only be found in the south west in deciduous woodlands. It is also the second rarest bat in England, after the Greater Mouse-eared Bat. It is believed that only a thousand Bechstein’s Bats exist in the country today.

The Bechstein’s Bat has a bare-skinned pinkish face and long black-brown ears which are broad and quite rounded. It has long fluffy-like fur that is a reddish brown colour on top and grey-white below. It is a slow and fluttery flier, although it can be quite a skilful hunter that can catch moths and other insects in mid-air.

The Bechstein’s Bat roosts and hibernates in tree holes throughout the year and not in buildings or cave-like dwellings like other species. This bat is very rare and you are highly unlikely to spot one, but if you do see a bat in winter it may well be a Bechstein’s Bat because it is the only bat that drifts in and out of hibernation. If you are fortunate enough to see this rare creature in the wild, please report it immediately to your local bat conservation group so you can help to protect it.

Bat (Brandt's)

Debbie — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:44:31 +0000

The Brandt’s Bat is quite a small bat that can mainly be found in woodlands in the north and west of England. The Brandt’s Bat is sometimes mistaken for the Whiskered Bat, although the Whiskered Bat has dark brown fur.

The Brandt’s Bat has long shaggy grey fur on its back which is tipped with yellow-gold. The gold tips make the bat look like it has a rich golden-brown coloured fur. The underside is a grey-white colour. It has a pink face and pink ear tips, but sometimes its ears and face can be dark brown or black. Its wings are dark brown and quite narrow. This bat is a fast and agile flier that also likes to glide in the air for short distances. It often looks for food near water and it can catch moths and other nocturnal insects in mid-air.

In summer Brandt’s Bats roost in tight crevices in buildings, trees and also in bat boxes. Although they are mostly nocturnal, which means they are active in the night, they can sometimes be seen flying around in the late afternoon. They also roost near Whiskered Bats, Pipistrelle Bats and Long-eared Bats in the same building. In winter Brandt’s Bats hibernate in trees, caves, buildings and tunnels.

Bat (Brown Long-eared)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:21:23 +0000

The Brown Long-eared Bat is quite a common bat that can be found throughout the country in parks, mature gardens, in hedgerows and in woodlands. It has long ears that are nearly the same length as its body and this is why it has the name ‘The Brown Long-eared Bat’. It is related to the Grey Long-eared Bat.

The Brown Long-eared Bat is also known as the ‘whispering bat’ because it is so quiet. It has long, fluffy light brown fur on top and yellow-brown fur below. It has a pinkish brown coloured face and its wings are dark brown and quite narrow. This bat is a quite a slow and fluttery flier that likes to fly quite low. It mainly feeds on moths which are sometimes caught in mid-air.

In summer Brown Long-eared Bats roost in old buildings, barns, churches, bat boxes and occasionally in tree holes. When they roost, they curl their ears back or tuck them underneath their wings, leaving only the tips of the ears visible. Brown Long-eared Bats roost alone or in small groups. They emerge from their roosts after dark and feed on and off throughout the night. In winter they usually hibernate in caves, tunnels, mines and sometimes in the roof spaces of buildings.

Bat (Common Pipistrelle)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:23:07 +0000

The Common Pipistrelle Bat is very widespread and common and can be found throughout England in woodlands, parks, mature gardens and in villages. It is also related to the Soprano Pipistrelle Bat and is almost identical in appearance. The body of the Common Pipistrelle is so light that it can weigh as little as ten paper clips.

The Common Pipistrelle Bat has sleek reddish brown fur on its back and yellow-brown fur on its underside. Its face and ears can be black or dark brown and its broad ears are black and triangular. Its wings are grey-black and quite narrow. The Common Pipistrelle is a very fast and jerky flier that likes to fly low while it zigzags through the air. It frequently changes its direction when in flight and can often be seen near lamps or lighting in gardens where it hunts for insects. It can eat as many as three thousand gnats in one night.

Common Pipistrelle Bats prefer to roost in the roof spaces of modern buildings in small or large groups. They become quite noisy before emerging around half an hour after sunset. They also like to hibernate during the cold winter months in modern buildings as well as in trees.

Bat (Daubenton's)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:23:34 +0000

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.

Bat (Greater Horseshoe)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:24:03 +0000

The Greater Horseshoe Bat is quite a large and rare bat that is found mainly in the south west of England in meadows and woodland clearings where it hunts for insects. The bat’s name comes from a horseshoe-shaped flap situated around its nostrils. The Greater Horseshoe Bat is related to the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.

The Greater Horseshoe Bat has a body the size of a small pear. It has soft fluffy-looking fur on its back which is a rusty brown colour and the underside is grey-brown. Its wings are dark grey and quite broad. The Greater Horseshoe Bat is a slow and skilful flier that beats its wings quite slowly.

In summer Greater Horseshoe Bats often roost in buildings such as churches, barns and large old houses. They pick roosting places which have large entrance holes and large roof spaces, especially when those roof spaces have been warmed by the sun. When they roost they hang down by their feet and wrap their wings around their bodies. They leave their roosts about an hour after sunset and hunt for food for most of the night. In winter they hibernate in caves, mines, cellars and tunnels and sometimes on warm winter nights they go out of hibernation to feed and to drink water.

Bat (Greater Mouse-eared)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:24:29 +0000

The Greater Mouse-eared Bat is one of the largest bats in England and is also the rarest bat in the country. It was believed to have become extinct in 1991, but two individual Greater Mouse-eared Bats were found in the south of England.

The Greater Mouse-eared Bat has a bare-skinned pink face and long light brown ears which are broad and leathery-looking. Although the ears are long, they appear to be a similar shape to those of a mouse and this is why it has its name the ‘Greater Mouse-eared Bat’. It has medium brown coloured fur on top and grey-white fur below. It also has grey wings that are long and broad. This bat is a strong and powerful flier, although it flies quite slowly.

In summer Greater Mouse-eared Bats roost in attics, old tunnels and trees. They often leave their roosts late in the evening to go hunting for food. They mainly feed on beetles and it is not unusual to see these bats foraging the ground for them. Greater Mouse-eared Bats usually go hunting for about four to five hours. In winter they hibernate in caves and quarries and usually return to the same roosting or hibernating places for most of their lives.

Bat (Grey Long-eared)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:25:09 +0000

The Grey Long-eared Bat is a very rare bat that can only be found in the south of England because it is warmer there. It can’t tolerate cold winters. It can be seen in mature gardens and in small villages. It has long grey ears nearly the same length as its body and this is why it has the name the 'Grey Long-eared Bat’. It is related to the Brown Long-eared Bat.

The Grey Long-eared Bat has a very dark face, especially between the eyes which makes it look like it is wearing a ‘highwayman’s mask’. It has long light brown fur on top and grey-white fur below. Its wings are grey-brown and quite broad. This bat is a slow and fluttery flier that sometimes likes to hover.

In summer Grey Long-eared Bats roost in old houses with large attics and large roof spaces. When they roost, they curl their ears back or tuck them underneath their wings, leaving only the tips of their ears visible. Brown Long-eared Bats roost in small groups of up to twenty. They leave their roost about an hour after sunset and hunt for most of the night. In winter they hibernate in caves, mines and cellars.

Bat (Leisler's)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:25:46 +0000

The Leisler’s Bat is considered to be quite a rare bat and it is believed that only a few thousand of these bats actually live in England. It can be seen in marshes, meadows and open woodlands. It is sometimes known as the ‘hairy armed bat’ because it has long thick fur around its shoulders and its upper back.

The Leisler’s Bat has a black-grey face and broad triangular-shaped ears. It has long dark brown fur on top and slightly paler brown fur below. It also has dark grey wings that are long and narrow. This bat likes to fly fast and high over the tops of trees where it hunts for insects.

In summer Leisler’s Bats mainly roost in tree holes, but they will also roost in buildings and bat boxes. They change their roosts every few days in summer and will sometimes roost with Noctule and Pipistrelle bats. They leave their roosts just after dusk and return just before dawn. In winter Leisler’s Bats hibernate in caves, tunnels and sometimes in deep tree holes. Leisler's Bats are often mistaken for Noctule bats, although Noctule bats are larger and have golden brown fur.

Bat (Lesser Horseshoe)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:26:30 +0000

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is quite a rare bat that is generally only found in open woodlands in the south west of England. It is believed to be one of the smallest bats in the world with a head and body length of around four centimetres. It is related to the Greater Horseshoe Bat.

The Lesser Horseshoe Bat’s name comes from a horseshoe-shaped flap situated around its nostrils. This bat has long reddish-brown fur on its back and pale reddish-brown fur on its underside. Its wings are grey-brown and quite broad. It is a quick flier that flaps its wings rapidly. It also likes to fly quite low to the ground where it hunts for insects.

In summer Lesser Horseshoe Bats often roost in large groups in the roofs of big rural houses, in cellars and in caves. They like to fly in their roosts with other bats before flying out just after sunset. They hunt for most of the night and return to their roosts about one to two hours before sunrise. When these bats roost, they hang down by their feet and wrap their wings around their bodies. In winter Lesser Horseshoe Bats hibernate in caves, mines and cellars.

Bat (Nathusius' Pipistrelle)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:27:18 +0000

The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle bat is very rare in England and is mainly found in Leicestershire and in the south west of England. It can be seen on the edges of woodlands near to water and occasionally on farmland with water nearby. It is also related to the Soprano and the Common Pipistrelle and is almost identical in appearance, although it is slightly bigger than them with longer fur.

The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle bat has a reddish-brown fur on top with grey-white tips which gives it a frosted look. The underside of this bat is a pale greyish brown colour. Its face and ears are black or dark brown and its broad ears are black and triangular-shaped. Its wings are grey-black and broader than the other pipistrelles. The Nathusius’ Pipistrelle is a rapid flier that likes to beat its wings deeply when it flies. It often flies in a straight line and it hunts for food about four to fifteen metres above the ground.

Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Bats prefer to roost in hollow trees and bat boxes. They very rarely roost in buildings. In winter they like to hibernate in crevices in walls and cliffs and also in caves. They do not hibernate inside modern houses like the Common and Soprano Pipistrelle bats.

Bat (Natterer's)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:27:46 +0000

The Natterer’s Bat is quite a rare bat that is more likely to be seen in the south of England in open woodlands, farmlands, grasslands and mature parks. It is also called the ‘red-armed bat’ because it has pale red limbs that are visible through its wings.

The Natterer’s Bat has a bare-skinned pink face that sticks out and a pair of large round ears. It has yellow-brown fur on top and greyish white fur below. Its wings are grey-black and quite broad. This bat is a slow but agile flier which likes to fly low. It can also hover for short periods of time.

In summer Natterer’s Bats roost in large groups in churches, barns, in tree holes and under bridges. Sometimes they roost in bat boxes in woodlands. They emerge from their roosts about an hour after sunset and hunt for food for most of the night. They feed on bugs, moths and beetles. In winter they hibernate alone or in small groups in caves, mines and under canal bridges which are not often used. Sometimes they hibernate with Daubenton Bats.

Bat (Noctule)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:28:17 +0000

The Noctule bat is one of the largest of our seventeen native bat species. It can be found all over the country in marshes, meadows, in large woodland clearings, parks and sometimes in large mature gardens. It is one of the easiest bats to spot due to its size and its overall golden brown fur. It also has a loud call which can be heard up to three hundred metres away on hot summer days.

The Noctule Bat has a blackish brown face and large black-brown ears that are triangular-shaped. It has a wingspan of thirty-two to forty-five centimetres which is almost the same length as an adult human forearm. Its wings are long, narrow and pointed at the tips. This bat is a powerful and fast flier that likes to fly high and direct.

In summer Noctule Bats almost exclusively roost in tree holes, but sometimes they roost in bat boxes. They leave their roosts at dusk and hunt for most of the night. They mainly feed on flying insects such as cockchafers and hawkmoths. In winter they hibernate in deep tree holes, rock crevices and occasionally in buildings where they sometimes sit on top of each other to keep each other warm.

Bat (Serotine)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:29:07 +0000

The Serotine Bat is one of England’s largest bats and is considered to be quite rare. It can mainly be found in the south of England in open woodlands, parks and mature rural gardens. This bat is often associated with houses and buildings.

It has a black face and two short, rectangular-shaped ears. Its fur is dark brown on top and light brown underneath. Its wings are long, broad and pointed at the tips. It is a slow and fluttery flier that glides for short distances. This bat can sometimes be seen flying around street lights in urban areas hunting for insects and can eat larger insects such as cockchafers and hawkmoths.

Serotine bats prefer to roost and hibernate in old buildings, barns and outhouses where they can be heard squeaking quite loudly. They sometimes share roosts with other bat species such as the Pipistrelle and Noctule bats, as well as the Whiskered, the Brown and the Grey Long-eared Bats. Serotine Bats often leave their roosts just before sunset and return at dusk. They can also be very noisy before entering their roosting sites.

Bat (Soprano Pipistrelle)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:28:42 +0000

The Soprano Pipistrelle bat is a very common bat that can be found throughout England in gardens, parks, woodlands and wetlands. It has its name ‘Soprano’ because it has a distinctive high-pitched call. This bat is so light that it can weigh as little as ten paperclips.

The Soprano Pipistrelle has dark chestnut-brown fur on its back and yellow-brown fur on its underside. Its ears and nose are usually black, but they can sometimes be brown. The ears are short and triangular-shaped with a rounded tip. It has black narrow wings that are pointed at the tips. The Soprano Pipistrelle bat is a very fast and jerky flier that likes to fly quite low.

In summer Soprano Pipistrelle bats roost in buildings, trees and sometimes in bat boxes. They can be heard squeaking shortly before they leave their roosts. They often leave their roosts just before sunset to go hunting for gnats, moths and other insects. They often return to their roosts for two or three hours and then go hunting again. They usually return to their roosts again before dawn. In winter they hibernate in large churches and cellars.

Bat (Whiskered)

livelinkadmin — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:29:35 +0000

The Whiskered Bat is one of our seventeen native bats found in England. It can be found throughout the country in open woodlands, meadows and grassland close to water. It is also found in mature rural gardens sometimes. It has its name the ‘Whiskered Bat' because it has whisker-like hairs on its snout.

The Whiskered Bat has a dark grey-black face and a pair of short grey-black pointed ears. It has long, fluffy dark brown fur on top and grey-white fur below. Its wings are grey-black and quite narrow. This bat is a rapid and accurate flier that likes to fly high. As it flies it seems to weave through the air.

In summer Whiskered Bats roost in buildings, in tree holes and in bat boxes. Sometimes they roost with Pipistrelle bats and Brown or Grey Long-eared Bats. They usually leave their roosts about half an hour to an hour after sunset and return at dawn. In winter they hibernate in caves and tunnels which are quite humid. This humidity often creates water droplets which fall on the fur of a Whiskered Bat. These droplets sparkle like jewels giving this bat the nickname the ‘jewelled bat’.