Serotine Bat
Eptesicus serotinus
Wingspan 36-38cm

Large bat with dark brown fur on upperparts but paler below. Ears comparatively large and tragus well developed. Flies at dusk on rather laboured wingbeats and seen hunting along woodland rides, sometimes rising to a considerable height. In summer, roosts during daytime in hollow trees, lofts and barns; usually found in small groups. In winter, hibernates in similar habitats but also in caves and mines. Rather local and restricted to S and E England; absent from Ireland.