Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)
An ialtóg chluasach choiteann
The brown long-eared bat is one of our most common species although its roost sizes are relatively small as compared to that of the Pipistrelles or Leisler's bat. Usually no more than 30 are observed in their colonies but, exceptionally, a larger roost is found with over 100 animals.
This species ears are its most striking feature as they are almost as long as its body. These also make the bat appear larger than it actually is. When in flight, the ears are extended forward, ahead of the bat. When at rest, the ears are folded sideways into 'rams' horns' and, in hibernation, they are tucked away beneath the wing to prevent exposure.
The ears are large as this species whispers its echolocation calls through its nose rather than shouting them through its mouth like the other vespertilionid species in Ireland. In order to hear the faint echoes of these whispers, the bat needs outsize ears.
The brown long-eared bat is a 'gleaner'. Instead of hawking for insects in the open as other bat species do, this species picks its prey from the foliage of trees. It can hover momentarily as it listens to a spider or moth crawling across a leaf before landing to snap it up. It then carries its food to a favourite perch, which might be a church porch, bus shelter or other sheltered site, where it consumes the softer parts of the prey. The inedible parts fall to the ground below to remain as a sign of the night's feeding.
As this species flies within tree foliage and along the ground it is difficult to see. Also, being a quiet species, it is frequently missed by detector. Although, when seen, its ears are very apparent, making it an easy species to identify.
The fur is long, thick and silky. Brownish on the upper side and greyish-brown on the lower. The under fur is a pale, buff brown. The temperament is very docile and the bat behaves timidly when handled. Its large eyes make the species especially endearing.
Brown long-eared bats have a liking for large roof spaces as they prefer to fly within the building, for some minutes, before emerging for the night's foraging. They are frequently found in older buildings, in lofts, barns, stables etc. Usually, they are found clustering along the ridge beam or next to a chimney. The species also make use of trees as summer roosts and colonise bat boxes readily.
The species is considered as internationally important and is found through the county.