Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Image Copyright (c) Merlin D. Tuttle
Description: Body length about 3.6-4.6″, with an 11-13″ wingspan. Black with silver-tipped fur and black wings. Tail membrane is lightly furred close to the body.
Range: Throughout North America, scarce through much of its range. Primarily a forest bat.
Habitat: Roosts singly or in small groups in wooded areas, especially in old growth forests. It typically roosts in hollows, loose bark and cracks and crevices of trees. During migration, may be found in sheds, wood piles, outbuildings and fence posts.
Diet: Mostly feeds on moths, but also true bugs, flies, mosquitoes, termites and beetles. Have been seen flying before the sun has set. Feeds over water and above treetops in woods.
Behavior: One of the slowest flying bats. People fishing have caught this bat on fish hooks. (See FAQ for what to do). Generally give birth to twins which can fly at 4-5 weeks of age. Lifespan 12 years or more.
Risks: Logging and loss of large snags, loss of riparian areas.
