Brown long-eared bat
| Irish Name: | Ialtog fhad-chluasach |
| Scientific name: | Plecotus auritus |
| Bird Family: | Bats |
This bat species prefers sheltered habitats, including fairly open deciduous and coniferous woodlands, parklands, and well-wooded gardens. Summer roosts, which serve as nurseries, are established in tree holes, bird and bat boxes, and caves. They have adapted well to urban areas and are the most frequently found Irish bats in attics and building crevices.
Identification
Brown long-eared bats are a medium-sized species in Ireland. Easily identifiable by their disproportionately large ears, which measure up to 2.5 cm, about three-quarters the length of their head and body. Each ear features twenty-four distinctive folds, aiding in sound funneling. They have large, bright eyes situated above a bulging nose on a pinkish-brown face. Their fur is long and fluffy, with a light brown color on the back and a yellowish to brown hue on the undersides.
More details can be found at https://www.conserveireland.com/mammals/brown-longeared-bat.php.