Daubenton's Bat
Myotis daubentonii
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Daubenton's Bat is the classic 'water bat' — it hunts just centimetres above the surface of still or slow-moving water, scooping insects from the surface using its large feet or tail membrane. The flight is fast and low, often following the same circuit repeatedly over a pool. At Marshside RSPB in summer, watching Daubenton's Bats hunting over the lagoon at dusk is one of the hidden wildlife pleasures. A bat detector reveals the echolocation at around 45kHz — similar to Common Pipistrelle but with a more FM structure.
At a Glance
| Order | Chiroptera |
| Family | Vespertilionidae |
| Habitat | Open water · River · Canal · Lake edge |
| Diet | Small aquatic insects — caught just above or from the water surface using large feet |
| UK population | Around 570,000 — common throughout Britain |
| Sefton Coast | Present over waterways and ponds throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Over open water at Marshside RSPB and any canal, pond or waterway near the Sefton Coast at dusk.
Identification
Medium bat. Silver-grey fur above, paler below. Reddish face. Large pink feet. Flies very low over water — rarely more than 30cm above the surface. Skims water surface with feet. 45kHz echolocation.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit Marshside RSPB at dusk in June–July. A bat flying low and fast just above the water, repeatedly skimming the same stretch, is almost certainly a Daubenton's. A bat detector confirms the echolocation.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Daubenton's Bat catch insects from the water?
Daubenton's Bats hunt insects on or just above the water surface using two methods. They can detect surface disturbances from emerging aquatic insects using echolocation, then scoop the insect using the large, webbed feet or the tail membrane (uropatagium) in a 'gaff' action. Insects emerging from the water — midges, small moths — are the primary prey.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.