FaunaHub

Bat

MammalFlyingNocturnal

A grey-headed flying fox hanging from a branch with wings folded.

Grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), a large fruit bat.

Image: MathKnight and Zachi Evenor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Bats make up the order Chiroptera and are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight. With well over a thousand species, they are one of the most diverse mammal groups, ranging from tiny insect-eating bats to large fruit-eating flying foxes. This page is a group-level overview; the photographs show flying foxes as a recognisable example. Bats are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Habitat & Range

Bats occupy an enormous range of habitats — forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas — roosting in caves, trees, rock crevices, foliage, and buildings. Many species are colonial, gathering in large numbers at roost sites, while others roost singly. Ranges and habitat preferences differ greatly between species, so no single description covers all bats.

Diet

Diet varies widely across the group. The majority of bats are insectivores that hunt flying insects, often using echolocation; fruit bats and flying foxes feed on fruit and nectar and are important pollinators and seed dispersers; and a few specialised species feed on nectar, fish, or (in three species) blood. Because of this variety, group-level statements about "what bats eat" should be made cautiously.

Behavior

Most bats are nocturnal or active at twilight. Many insect-eating bats navigate and hunt in darkness using echolocation, emitting high-frequency calls and interpreting the echoes; fruit bats more often rely on keen eyesight and smell. Bats may roost in colonies, migrate seasonally, or hibernate in cold climates. Social and roosting behaviour differs markedly between species.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Bats provide major ecological benefits, including controlling insect populations and pollinating and dispersing the seeds of many plants. Some species face serious threats from habitat loss, disturbance of roosts, and disease. Bats can also carry pathogens of public-health concern, so wildlife and health authorities advise never handling wild bats; report a grounded or injured bat to a licensed rehabilitator. Conservation status varies by species and should be verified against current sources.

Appearance & Recognition

A bat's wing is formed by a thin membrane stretched between greatly elongated finger bones, the body, and (in many species) the legs and tail — an anatomy unique among mammals. Sizes range from tiny bats weighing a few grams to large flying foxes with wingspans over a metre. Insect-eating bats often have elaborate ears and facial structures linked to echolocation, while fruit bats typically have larger eyes and dog-like faces.

Similar Animals

Despite flying, bats are mammals, not birds, and they nurse their young with milk. They are not closely related to other small flying animals. The "flying" squirrels and gliding possums only glide rather than fly, and birds achieve flight with feathered wings rather than a skin membrane.

More photos of the bat

A Mariana fruit bat clinging to a branch.

A Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus), an Indo-Pacific flying fox.

Image: Janake Dustin, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (USFWS).

Frequently Asked Questions — Bat

Are bats blind?
No. The saying "blind as a bat" is a myth. All bats can see; many insect-eating species also use echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark, and fruit bats have particularly good eyesight.
Do all bats use echolocation?
No. Most insect-eating bats echolocate, but many fruit bats and flying foxes rely mainly on vision and smell. Echolocation is widespread in the group but not universal.
Should I handle a bat I find?
No. Wildlife and health authorities advise never handling wild bats, because some can carry diseases. If you find a grounded, injured, or trapped bat, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local authority rather than picking it up.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.