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Fisherman bat, bulldog bat - NOCTILIO LEPORINUS
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The Name "Bat": "Bat" comes from Old Norse "ledhrblaka," "leather flapper." It became "bakka" and then "bat."
Description: A large, robust bat with wedge-shaped head and pointed muzzle; large, pointed eas; wrinkled upper lip; tail about half as long as the tail membrane. Fur short; dorsally bright reddish yellow in males, gray or brown in females; lighter beneath. Length of head and body about 4 in, forearm 3.2 in; weight 1.4-2.5 oz.
Location: Mexico to northern Argentina, West lndies.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests; woodlands and rocky cliffs near inland waters or the sea.
Behavior: Fisherman bats are gregarious; several dozen often roost together by day in caves, rock crevices, or hollow trees, frequently shared with other species of bats. In late atternoon and at night, they feed upon small fish caught by gaffing with the bats' large, sharp, curved claws. By echolocation, or sonar, the bats detect the ripples caused by fish swimming near the water's surface. The strong hind legs and large feet of fisherman bats are modifications to their feeding habits. They can swim well, using their wings as oars. These bats also eat insects and aquatic crustaceans.
Reproduction: The single young may be born during the period December-March and possibly later.
Go to the Bats Page to get a general discussion of this flying mammal.
Go to the Bats Index to study the other bats included in America Zoo.
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