The Bat’s Cry: what Is It Called ?

As dusk descends, a high-pitched screech pierces the silence, echoing through the night. This is not the sound of some sinister creature from a gothic horror novel but rather our nocturnal friend, the bat—known in scientific terms as a Chiroptera. The distinctive cry of bats, also known as “squeaking, ” is far more than just a call into the darkness. With various forms of communication and over 1, 411 species worldwide, these creatures’ language is complex and intriguing. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of bat vocalizations.

Getting to Know Bats

The World of Chiroptera

Awe-inspiring yet misunderstood, bats make up an entire order of mammals called Chiroptera. They are unique for being the only mammals capable of sustained flight. To date, 1, 411 bat species have been identified worldwide, with France being home to 174 species—36 of which reside in metropolitan areas.

The Plight of Bats

Bats face several threats due to human activities such as pesticide use and habitat destruction. One particularly endangered species in France is the Mehely’s Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi). Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving these remarkable creatures.

After this brief introduction to their world, let’s explore how these fascinating creatures communicate.

Infrasound: their Communication Avenue

Nature’s Radar System: echolocation

Beyond their audible squeaks, bats utilise another form of vocalization that remains inconspicuous to human ears—infrasound. Produced at frequencies lower than our hearing threshold, infrasound serves as a crucial tool for these nocturnal animals, particularly for hunting and navigation. Now let’s dive deeper into their unique technique of echolocation.

Unveiling the Echolocation Technique

Sound Mapping: echolocation in Action

Bats use echolocation to create a mental map of their surroundings. By emitting ultrasonic sounds, bats listen for the echo that bounces back from objects around them—effectively enabling them to “see” in the dark. It is this form of biological sonar that sets them apart.

Moving on, let’s delve into the array of bat calls and what they signify.

The Various Calls of Bats and Their Meanings

The Language of Squeaks

The primary cry that can be discerned by human ears is a shrill squeak or “grincement”. This sound typically resembles a series of rapid chirps or clicks, and it plays an integral role in their social communication.

While we have learnt that bats’ screeches are not merely random noises, another question arises—can we actually hear these ultrasonic calls ?

Can We Hear Bats’ Calls ?

Human Auditory Limits

Much like infra-red light is invisible to humans, infrasound used by bats for echolocation falls outside our hearing range. Therefore, while bats are communicating and navigating right above our heads each night, their complex language usually goes unnoticed by us.

Understanding the diet of these enigmatic creatures might give us further insights into their vocalizations.

The Dietary Habits of Chiroptera: a Key to Understanding Their Vocals ?

Eating Habits and Communication

A bat’s diet can range from insects, fruits, nectar to even blood in some species. This variation in diet may also influence the pitch and frequency of their calls, making it an interesting area of study for scientists deciphering bat language.

As we keep unraveling these mysteries, let’s examine how bats adapt their hunting strategies during night time.

Nighttime Hunting Strategies of Bats

Master Navigators in the Dark

Bats have adapted to use echolocation as a highly efficient foraging technique. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off prey and other objects around them, allowing them to accurately locate and catch their meal in pitch darkness.

Now that we’ve explored some facts about bats’ vocalizations and habits, let’s debunk some myths about these fascinating creatures.

Bats: dispelling Myths and Unveiling Reality

Breaking Down Bat Misconceptions

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind; they actually have good vision. The myth probably originated due to their exceptional echolocation ability which they rely on heavily at night. Moreover, not all bats are vampires; only three out of over 1, 400 species feed on blood.

The journey into the world of bats has been both enlightening and intriguing. We’ve learned about their unique survival techniques, communication methods and dispelled some common misconceptions along the way. These nocturnal beings continue to fascinate us with their complex behaviors and vocalizations—their squeaks representing a language yet to be fully uncovered by mankind.