About
The noctule is our largest bat. All UK bats are nocturnal, feeding on midges, moths and other flying insects that they find in the dark by using echolocation. Noctules roost in holes in trees and bat boxes, but rarely in buildings. During the summer, females form maternity colonies and have just a single pup. Noctules can be seen feeding on insects over the tree canopy; they particularly enjoy eating flying beetles, such as the large cockchafer. They hibernate over the winter, between November and April.
How to identify
The noctule has rich, golden-brown fur, with darker wings, ears and face. Its flight is characteristically strong and fast.
Did you know?
Although most bat calls require a bat detector to be heard by us, noctule calls can heard by some adults and children. The calls range from 20 to 45kHz and peak at 25kHz.
How people can help
To buy bird and animal food, feeders and homes, such as bat boxes, visit the Vine House Farm website - an award-winning wildlife-friendly farm which gives 5% of all its takings to The Wildlife Trusts.