BATS - HAMPSTEAD HEATH - 2012

HEATH
MAPS

A variety of bats frequent The Heath.

The noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula)

One of the largest bats found in Britain, and is often the first to emerge from its roost, sometimes before sunset.

Weighing some 18 to 40 grams and with a wingspan of 32 to 40cm it has a sleek golden coloured fur and broad brown ears.
Although still a fairly widespread species in London, the noctule seems to have declined in recent years.
This is possibly due at least in part to over management of trees where it exclusively roosts in woodpecker or rot holes.
The noctule feeds on moths, beetles and mayflies and typically feeds high over woodland, parkland and water bodies.

The Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii)

The Daubenton's bat is a medium sized bat weighing 7 to 12 grams and with a wing span of 24 to 27cm.

It was often called the water bat in the past because of its distinctive habit of flying in a level flight about 10cm above the surface of water bodies such as lakes.

The Daubenton's feeds on small flies such as caddis flies and midges and roosts in trees or tunnels and bridges which are generally near water.