-->> Queries arise: 1. How big is this species of bat?
>
>According to some webpages I found, the Greater Noctule
>(Nyctalus lasiopterus) has a wingspan of 46 cm, and weighs 41-76g.
>The Australian Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) it twice as heavy
>(140-160g.)
>
>> 2. I know the Australian Ghost Bat can and does capture small
>> mammals, lizards etc, caught on the ground. Are there any records
>> of it taking small birds - presumably from roost sites?
IN MY BOOK "BATS IN QUESTION" BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, 1997, IT STATES
THAT THEY DO EAT BIRDS AS WELL AS MICE, OTHER RODENTS, SMAL MARSUPPIALS,
SMALLER BATS, REPTILES AND LARGE INSECTS. IT SAYS THEY CAPTURE THEIR PREY
BY DROPPING ON THEM FROM ABOVE, WRAPPING THEIR WINGS AROUND THEM, AND BITING
THEM IN THE NECK AND HEAD.
A very good book for anyone interested in bats. Another good one for
identification, is called "Australian Bats"by Sue Churchill. New Holland
Publishers, 1998.
Carla
>Again, there are a number of web pages which list "small birds up
>to the size of a dove or small pigeon" as part of the Ghost Bats
>diet. I couldn't find any reference to how they catch the birds.
>
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