Head to head
Soprano Pipistrelle vs Common Pipistrelle
Soprano Pipistrelle
VS Common Pipistrelle
The soprano pipistrelle and common pipistrelle were treated as a single species for years because they look almost identical, and what tells them apart is mainly the pitch of their calls.
| Soprano Pipistrelle | Common Pipistrelle | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pipistrellus pygmaeus | Pipistrellus pipistrellus |
| Relationship | Long lumped with the common pipistrelle until scientists recognised the two as separate species | Long treated as one species with the soprano pipistrelle until the two were recognised |
| Calls | Echolocation calls pitched higher than those of the common pipistrelle | Echolocation calls pitched lower than those of the soprano pipistrelle |
| Size | Weighs only a few grams, with a wingspan of around 20 to 22 cm | Weighs only a few grams, with a wingspan of around 20 to 25 cm |
| Hunting habitat | Favours rivers, lakes, and wetlands, as well as woodland | Flies along hedgerows, woodland edges, and around street lights |
| Roost | Summer maternity colonies in buildings, which can number hundreds of bats | Crevices and roof spaces of houses, with summer colonies of females raising young |
| Range | Much of Europe and parts of western Asia | Europe, parts of western Asia, and North Africa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, widespread and common | Least Concern, among the most common bats across its range |
Soprano Pipistrelle vs Common Pipistrelle: common questions
How can you tell a soprano pipistrelle from a common pipistrelle?
By their calls, since the soprano pipistrelle echolocates at a higher pitch than the common pipistrelle, though the two look almost identical.
Which pipistrelle prefers water?
The soprano pipistrelle, which favours rivers, lakes, and wetlands as well as woodland.
Where do the soprano and common pipistrelles live?
The soprano pipistrelle lives across much of Europe and parts of western Asia, while the common pipistrelle also lives in North Africa.