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Brown Long-Eared Bat

HomeMammalsBrown Long-Eared Bat

Brown Long-Eared Bat

Plecotus auritus

Recognised by its extra-long ears—almost as long as its body—this small bat spends its days resting in quiet places like old roofs or hollow trees. At night, it flies gently among trees and hedges, using its keen hearing and a high-pitched call (called echolocation) to find moths, beetles, and other insects. Even though it is very quiet when flying, a patient observer might spot a Brown long-eared bat flitting across the sky just after sunset.

  • Habitat: Commonly found in mixed woodlands, along hedgerows, and in urban areas where suitable roosting sites exist—especially near water bodies that attract abundant insects.
  • When to See: Most active during warm evenings from spring through early autumn, just after the sun goes down.
  • Diet / Food: Moths, earwigs, flies and beetles
  • Length: Around 40 mm
  • Weight: 5–8 g
  • Wingspan: 230–285 mm