Bats in Derbyshire

All bat species are protected by law so you should not handle bats without a licence.

There are a few ways you can identify bats, or at least narrow down the choices of identification, without handling them.

If you see bats emerging from their roost, their location and timing can give clue to the species. On the wing, its flight pattern can give a clues to the species of bat. If you have a bat detector, the frequency and rhythm of the sound is a good indicator of the species (with practice!)

Large bats:

Noctule

A large bat with a fast straight flight above tree lines. It dives steeply when hunting.
Bats roost in trees, rarely in buildings
Emerges from roost between 5 and 10 minutes after sunset, occasionlly before sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 20Hz, makes a slow 'chip chop' sound.
To listen to a noctule visit the British Library archive website by clicking the link below and scrolling down the list of mammal sounds. (A Broadband connection is recommended for best results)

British Library archive listen to nature pages (external link)

Derbyshire distribution information

Serotine

A large bat with a relatively slow flight often above roof heights. Flies in loops in open areas.
Roosts in buildings often old buildings
Bats emerge between 20 and 25 minutes after sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 27Hz, makes an irregular 'smack' noise.

Derbyshire distribution information

Medium sized bats:

Leisler's

A medium sized bat with a fast straight flight above tree lines.
Roosts in trees and buildings
Bats emerge from roosts between 10 and 15 minutes after sunset)
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 25Hz

Derbyshire distribution information

Brown long-eared

A medium sized bat with a slow fluttering agile flight in vegetation with occasional hovering pauses.
Roosts in buildings
Bats emerge from roosts between 45 and 65 minutes after sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 39Hz.

Derbyshire distribution information

Natterer's

Medium sized bat with a fast and agile flight at head height in habitats edges and sometimes low over water.
Roost in trees
Bats emerge from roosts between 40 and 60 minutes after sunset.
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 49Hz

Derbyshire distribution information

Small bats:

Pipistrelle (Common, Soprano and Nathusius')

All are small bat species with a fast erratic flight at head height, often along habitat edges.
All species roost in trees, buildings (old and new), and bat boxes
All species emerge between 20 and 30 minutes after sunset, occasionally before sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency defines the species ; common at 46Hz, soprano at 55Hz and Nathusius' at 40Hz
To listen to Common and Soprano pipistrelles, visit the British Library archive website by clicking the link below and scrolling down the list of mammal sounds. (A Broadband connection is recommended for best results)

British Library archive listen to nature pages (external link)

Derbyshire distribution information:

Common and Soprano Pipistrelle

Nathusius' Pipistrelle.

Daubenton's bat

A small bat with fast straight flight, often seen flying over water and feeding from water surface.
Roosts can be found in stone buildings, bridges and tunnels
Bats emerge from roosts between 40 and 50 minutes after sunsets
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 48Hz, makes a rapid regular series of clicks like machine gun fire

Derbyshire distribution information

Whiskered bat

A small bat with a fast and straight flight at head height along habitat edges.
Roosts in buildings
Bats emerge from roosts about 30 minutes after sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 50Hz, makes rapid irregular series of clicks.

Derbyshire distribution information

Brandt's bat

A small bat with a fast and straight flight at head heght along habitat edges.
Roosts in trees and buildings
Bats emerge from roosts about 30 minutes after sunset
On a bat detector the peak frequency is 50Hz, makes a rapid irregular series of clicks.

Derbyshire distribution information