Mammals
Parti-coloured Bat
Vespertilio murinus · also called particoloured bat
From a ledge high on an autumn cliff, a male parti-coloured bat calls into the dusk, his frosted fur catching the last light, one of Europe’s most travelled small mammals.
Overview
The parti-coloured bat, Vespertilio murinus, is a Least Concern bat found across much of Europe and Asia. Its frosted two-tone coat, long migrations, and high-perch mating calls make it one of the more striking bats of the Old World.
A bat that sings from heights
Rather than mating in caves, male parti-coloured bats advertise from cliffs and tall buildings, sometimes in the heart of cities.
Status
Least Concern, widespread but thinly spread.
Parti-coloured Bat: common questions
Why is it called the parti-coloured bat?
Its dark brown back is tipped with pale hairs, giving it a frosted, two-toned look.
Does the parti-coloured bat migrate?
Yes, it travels long distances, sometimes well over a thousand kilometres, between summer and winter areas.
Why do males call in autumn?
Males call from high points such as cliffs and tall buildings to attract females.
Where is the parti-coloured bat found?
It lives in mountains, woodland, and towns across much of Europe and Asia.