A Guide to British Bats

WildID Bats is two guides in one: a night-time companion that helps you identify bats on the wing by their calls and flight patterns, and a daytime key for recognising bats at rest.

• Identification guide to all 16 breeding species in Britain
• Identify resting bats in daytime with straightforward yes/no questions
• Identify flying bats at night with sonograms and flight patterns
• Practical for use outdoors: lightweight, rucksack-sized, splash-proof

Bats are fascinating; the only mammals that can fly. Although there are more than a thousand species worldwide, Britain is home to 16 species. All of the British species of eat insects, including beetles, moths, flies and midges. They navigate and locate insects by echolocation, making high frequency ultrasonic calls and listening for the pattern of returning echoes.

It is an offence to disturb a wild bat unless you have a licence. So beginners should start by trying to identify bats in flight. Fortunately you can gather initial clues without using any special equipment, and this guide will show you what to look for. Useful information includes size, flight pattern, habitat and emergence time after dusk.

(OP65)