The northern bat
The mouse that squeaked
The northern bat catches its food in a manner that is typical of bats in general. With its mouth wide open, it emits short, sharp noises at a rate of about five per second. The bat can hear the echoes reflected by objects in its way.
Echo location
With the help of echoes reflected by trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects, the bat can orient itself and avoid obstacles. It is the same principle upon which sonar technology is based.
Flying food
Flying insects – bat food – also reflect sounds which bats are able to distinguish from other echo sources. They are able to determine the distance to a flying insect and its path through the air.
Tiny morsel
To catch an insect, the bat usually takes it directly in the mouth. Sometimes, the prey is caught with the bat's wing or tail flap, then transferred to the mouth.
