Leisler’s Bat Nyctalus leisleri

This is the biggest Irish bat and it is often found roosting in buildings. The Leisler’s bat has distinctive level flight at greater heights than the other Irish species, from which it dives down after dung flies and beetles. It can be seen soon after sunset flying over open spaces such as parks and fields. Because it is one of the first bats to emerge in the evening and is quite large, the Leisler’s may be confused with Swifts that may also be flying around. They are best told apart by the wing shape, the Swift’s wings are smoothly curved and scimitar-like. Swifts also shriek, while the Leisler's bat is inaudible without a bat detector. The Leisler’s bat is rare in Britain and the rest of Europe but it is relatively common here. For this reason the Irish population of Leislers’ bats is considered of International Importance.