SOUNDS: All calls are above the range of human hearing. On a bat detector, the species produces very loud 'slaps' around 45 kHz. As the detector is gradually tuned up the range of frequencies from this frequency, the 'slaps' develop into 'clicks'. The pulse repetition rate seems very fast and erratic like a badly tuned car. Social calls can be heard throughout the active period. These are heard mainly around 22 kHz but range between 15 kHz and 45 kHz. They are very loud and like a rapid grating sound - they may be produced both occasionally or very rapidly. Social calls are produced throughout the active season, commonly heard either during the mating season when their repetition rate is higher and more regular, or at low insect densities. They can be produced in very rapid succession, often during aerial chasing. The common pipistrelle always produces this call during flight, never from a perch.

Click to hear echolocation and social calls of the common pipistrelle slowed down 10 times

To hear the sound in an external media player please click here.

© Jon Russ 2001. Text refereed by Angela Ross & Lynne Rendle.

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