Bat
Description
Any small flying mammal of the order Chiroptera. Bats are found throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world. In fact, about one--quarter of all mammal species are bats. They range in size from the tiny bumblebee bat to the large flying foxes found in Australia that have a wingspan of over 6 feet. Their acoustical system allows them to accurately locate items by emitting a sound and evaluating its echo (echolocation). Bats primarily feed on insects but may also eat fruits and pollen. Bats often live in historic sites and public buildings, such as churches, where they can be a nuisance due to their noise, droppings (Guano), and odor.
Synonyms and Related Terms
bats; Chiroptera; flagermus (Dan.); Fledertiere (Deut.); murciélagos(Esp.); chiroptère (Fr.); pipistrello (It.); vleermuizen (Ned.; nietoperze (Pol.); morcego (Port.)
Resources and Citations
- English Heritage: Bats in Churches
- Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Britannica-Online, Comment: "bat." Accessed 31 Jan. 2005.
- Wikipedia: Bat (Accessed Oct. 8, 2005 and March 2025)
- Bill Bryson, ‘At Home: A Short History of Private Life’ Doubleday Publishers, London 2010.