BRANDT’S BAT Myotis brandtii

 

Status: Native; Local (very difficult to separate from Whiskered bat)

 

Habitat: Woodland; Grassland; River/lake

 

A small bat, which is very difficult to separate from the Whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus, from which it was not separated until 1971.  The dorsal surface of the adults is typically covered in red-brown fur, which is often said to have a golden sheen.  The underside is buff-grey, whereas the face and forward pointing ears and wing membranes are dark brown, but not as dark as the Whiskered bat (although great care needs to be taken when separating the two species).  The dorsal fur is also less shaggy and scruffy-looking.  The ears are generally smaller and squarer than those of the Whiskered bat.  When handled (note – you require an English Nature licence to legally handle bats), the Brandt’s bat is also said to be more active than the more passive Whiskered bat.

 

This is typically a woodland species, although it also occurs within agricultural landscapes and around rural settlements.  As with most bats, it is often recorded feeding close to water.  Feeding behaviour and flight are very similar to the Whiskered bat, although it is said to be less agile than the Whiskered bat.

 

Summer and nursery roost may comprise churches, and the lofts of modern and old buildings, where they often group under the ridge tiles.  Gaps between beams, masonry, weather boards and behind window frames are all used regularly, the bats tending to hang-free.  During the winter they tend to hibernate in cool cellars, tunnels, mines and occasionally in hollow trees.  Behaviour also exhibited by the very similar Whiskered bat.

 

Unusually the Brandt’s bat is more common in northern England; the British population being estimated to be around 30,000 animals.  However, due to the problems associated with separating Brandt’s and Whiskered bats, the full range of both species requires more investigation.

 

This species sounds very similar to other Myotis bats on a bat detector, having a steep FM sweep (peak frequency of around 45 KHz).  However, it sounds less rhythmical than the Daubenton’s bat.

 

In common with Natterer’s and Daubenton’s bats, the Brandt’s bat is a species which partakes in ‘autumn swarming’, where large numbers of bats gather  (normally at cave or tunnel systems) to mate and socialise.  The full purpose of autumn swarming behaviour is not understood, but the sites in which they traditionally gather are often likened to discos or night clubs !