Species group · Mammals

Noctules

WAnimals has 2 species of noctule, in the family Vespertilionidae.

2 species

1 family

60 countries

133 parks

Ranges calculated from the profiles that record the figure, not from all 2.

All 2 species of noctules on WAnimals

Each one has its own full profile. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

1 Vulnerable1 Least Concern

1 species in this group is in a threatened category according to the IUCN.

Recorded in 60 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

The largest bat in Europe and the only one that takes migrating birds on the wing.
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In October 2025 a team from the EBD-CSIC and Aarhus University published in Science the first sound recording of a noctule chasing, catching and eating a robin in mid-air without landing: 21 distress calls from the bird followed by 23 minutes of chewing sounds.
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In order to eat such bulky prey in flight it cuts off their wings, reducing both weight and drag.
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It is the largest and highest-flying bat in the United Kingdom.
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It can reach speeds of up to 50 to 60 km/h in flight.
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It roosts in old tree holes, often former woodpecker holes.
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