Birdlike noctule facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Birdlike noctule |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Nyctalus
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| Species: |
aviator
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| Distribution map of the birdlike noctule | |
| Synonyms | |
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The birdlike noctule (Nyctalus aviator) is a special type of bat. It's known for flying high and hunting in the open air. This bat lives in Northeast Asia. You can find it in places like China, Siberia, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. It often makes its home in old trees, buildings, or even mines.
Contents
What is the Birdlike Noctule?
Naming the Bat
The birdlike noctule got its scientific name in 1911. A British scientist named Oldfield Thomas officially described it. He gave it the scientific name Nyctalus aviator. The first bat of this kind studied was found in Tokyo in 1904.
For a while, some thought it was a type of greater noctule bat. But since 1983, most scientists agree it is its own unique species.
What Does the Birdlike Noctule Look Like?
Size and Features
An adult birdlike noctule is about 7.1–9.5 centimetres (2.8–3.7 in) long. That's about the length of a small cell phone. Its tail adds another 5.5–6.4 cm (2.2–2.5 in). Its wings are quite long, about 5.8–6.0 cm (2.3–2.4 in). The forearm, which is part of its wing, measures 58–64 mm (2.3–2.5 in).
This bat has a short thumb with a strong claw. Its third finger is the longest, and its fifth finger is the shortest. The fur on its body is yellowish-brown. It feels very soft and thick. A small part of its tail sticks out past the edge of its wing membrane.
What Does the Birdlike Noctule Eat?
Hunting Habits
The birdlike noctule mainly eats insects. But it also hunts and eats small birds! This makes it quite special. Only a few bat species, like the greater noctule bat, hunt birds.
These bats catch birds that are flying at night. They chase them high up in the open air. Scientists have even found parts of a bird called Middendorff's grasshopper warbler in the droppings of these bats in Japan. This shows what they like to eat.
Where Does the Birdlike Noctule Live?
Its Home Range
You can find the birdlike noctule in several countries. These include China, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea. It might also live in Russia, but scientists are still checking.
These bats like to live in places with old trees. They also use holes in buildings and old mine shafts as their homes.
Is the Birdlike Noctule in Danger?
Protecting the Species
As of 2019, the birdlike noctule is considered a near-threatened species. This means it could become endangered if we don't protect it.
Its numbers are thought to be going down. This is mainly because of two reasons:
- Habitat loss: The places where they live, like old trees and buildings, are being destroyed.
- Human disturbance: People sometimes bother their roost sites, which are the places where they rest.
Protecting their homes is very important to help these unique bats survive.
