Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii
An ialtóg Bhrandt
Brandt's bat is a small species and is easily confused with both its sibling the whiskered bat and the pipistrelles when seen in the night sky. However, like the whiskered, its flight is much steadier and direct, usually high near the tree canopy but sometimes diving to ground level. The wing beats are sometimes interrupted as the bat glides for a short distance.
In the hand, unlike the whiskered bat, it has pale skin and its fur colour is browner. It also scolds readily and the open mouth shows a long and thin jaw.
Like the whiskered bat, it is found in woodlands, along hedgerows, treelines and parkland. In summer, the species roosts in trees, lofts, house eaves, beneath lead flashing or slates and bat boxes.
Little is known of the species in Ireland as it was only discovered in Wicklow Mountains National Park in 2003 when a lone specimen was found. A maternity roost has yet to be found.