Hoary bat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoary bat |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aeorestes
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| Species: |
cinereus
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| Distribution of the hoary bat (2008) | |
The hoary bat (Aeorestes cinereus) is a type of bat in the family Vespertilionidae. It is found throughout most of North America and much of South America. It is also found in the Galápagos Islands and Hawaii.
Description
The hoary bat is 13 to 14.5 cm (5.1 to 5.7 in) long. It has a wingspan of 40 cm (15.5 in). It weighs 26 g (0.92 oz). Its fur is dense and dark brown, with white tips to the hairs. The body is covered in fur except for the undersides of the wings. Males and females are sexually dimorphic in body mass.
Behaviour
It normally roosts alone on trees. But sometimes, it has been seen in caves with other bats. It prefers woodland, mainly coniferous forests, but hunts over open areas or lakes. It hunts alone and it mainly eats moths. The bats can travel 39 km (24 mi) while foraging. In the winter, they live in Central America and the southwestern United States. In the spring and summer, they live in the United States and Canada.
Reproduction
The reproductive cycle of the hoary bat is not yet fully understood. But, it is thought that they mate in August. It is also thought that they give birth in June of the following year. It is thought that the gestation period is only 40 days. It gives birth to one pup, or sometimes twins. The young ones stay with the mother for a month before leaving.
Images for kids
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Juvenile male hoary bat on a tree, frosted "hoary" dorsal coloration visible
See also
In Spanish: Murciélago ceniciento para niños
