Pictures and facts about the Noctules

birdlike noctule	giant noctule
lesser noctule	noctule
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Noctules

Order : Chiroptera
Family : Vespertilionidae
Subfamily : Vespertilioninae
Genus : Nyctalus

Facts about the genus Nyctalus, the noctules

Although greater noctules are the largest bats in Europe, they weigh only 50 grams and probably prey on the smallest songbirds. (Full text)

The common noctule bat is declining like all European bats, but the other European noctules are even rarer. (Full text)

Along with serotine bats, noctules are one of the largest British species, and are one of the first to emerge in the evening. (Full text)

All bats' fur, but especially Noctules', is just so soft and stroke-able. (Full text)

Noctules are yellowish to dark brown and 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long without the . (Full text)

Noctules are also noted for their early emergence from their daytime roosts, and, despite the dimness, it is still only 4pm. (Full text)

The sighting of a group of noctules is not indicative of a nearby roost, as radio-tracked individuals have been found to fly up to ten kilometres to a feeding area (Mitchell-Jones, 1990). (Full text)

Whether the Nyctalus is from the Marriannis or a smaller tribe, the Pteropus form is always of a similar size. (Full text)

Noctules are known for their large hibernating colonies. (Full text)

Many roosts have also been lost, as old and dead trees, of the type preferred by noctules, are often felled. (Full text)