Noctule Bat
By Kirstie Bingham
We have a beautiful Noctule bat or Nyctalus noctule (if you prefer the scientific language) within our Natural History collection. This is the largest species of bat that we have here in the United Kingdom, and yet they can still fit in the palm of your hand. An adult noctule will measure 4 to 5cm in length and weigh up to 40g. They have golden-brown fur on their bodies, with darker brown faces and wings. The ears of a noctule are small, rounded and dark brown, and they have a mushroom-shaped tragus (piece of flesh) in front of their ear canals.
Noctule bats are woodland inhabitants who roost in tree holes and bat boxes, but rarely in buildings like other bat species. They are widespread in England and Wales, with some numbers in south-west Scotland.
Our Noctule Bat in the John Moore collection
They are strong and fast flyers, which has led to many of us mistaking them for a swift when they are flying. They hunt and eat during flight, with midges, moths and other flying insects (apparently, cockchafers are delicious to them) on the menu. They locate their prey in the dark using echolocation. Although most bat calls require a bat detector to be heard by us, noctule calls can be heard by some adults and children. The calls range from 20 to 45kHz and peak at 25kHz.
The breeding season for noctule bats takes place towards the end of summer. The male finds a tree hole to be his mating roost and attempts to attract a mate using a range of shrill calls and by producing a strong odour during flight. Males will often mate with several females in order to increase his chances of paternity. Maternity colonies are not formed until the following spring when both males and females begin to nest in tree holes, crevices in buildings and nest boxes. Females give birth to one pup during late June or July, and the pup is usually independent after six weeks. Like other bat species, the noctule will hibernate over the winter months from November to April. They will primarily hibernate in trees and occasionally buildings, rock fissures and bat boxes. The average lifespan of a noctule bat in the wild is 4 to 5 years old, and they have to be extra careful when owls and hawks are out hunting.
Noctule Bat in Flight
Head to the woods just before dark for the best chance of seeing this species. They will repeatedly dive in the sky as they hunt for their insect prey above the tree canopy. If you are like me, remember to take your glasses with you, otherwise you might struggle seeing these high-flyers!
While the noctule bat is widespread in the UK, population numbers are believed to have declined following the introduction of intensive farming methods. Noctules are also vulnerable to the loss of mature trees, which it uses as nesting and hibernation sites. As a consequence of this, the noctule bat is classified as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is also protected by law in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Discovering Bats Day at the John Moore Museum
Over the years, we have frequently hosted Discovering Bat days at the John Moore Museum; we will be hosting another one on Saturday 23rd October 2021. This is a fantastic way for you to see native bat species up close, and learn from an expert all about these beautiful mammals.
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