Common Pipistrelle Bat

Pipistrellus pipistrellus

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TypeType
MammalMammal
StatusStatus
WidespreadWidespread
ProtectedProtected
SeasonSeason
SpringSpring
SummerSummer
AutumnAutumn
Look up, at night. Its flight is rapid with many twists and turns.
Our most common bat, the Common Pipistrelle is so small it can fit into a matchbox!

Despite its tiny stature, it has a mighty appetite and can eat around 3,000 insects in a night. Like all UK bats, the Common Pipistrelle is nocturnal, generally only coming out from twilight, where it'll feed on midges, moths and mosquitos using echolocation to find these tasty morsels in the dark.

These flying mammals roost in tree holes, bat boxes, houses and under bridges, like those on the Montgomery Canal.

In summer, the females form maternity colonies and have a single pup each.

They hibernate over winter, usually between November and April, occasionally coming out on milder days to feed.
The Common Pipistrelle has dark, golden brown fur with a slightly pale underside and a dark mask around the face. It's virtually identical to the Soprano Pipistrelle and the two species can only be distinguished by the frequency of their echolocation calls.
Record Sighting