Flight and echolocation behaviour of three vespertilionid bat species while commuting on flyways

(Uploaded by Plazi for the Bat Literature Project) This study compares the Xight and echolocation behaviour of three vespertilionid bat species while they commute on Xyways. We measured the bats' spatial position relative to vertical background contours and relative to the ground while recording their echolocation behaviour. In Myotis daubentonii, we found a signiWcant inXuence of spatial context on the position and dimensions of Xyways as well as on echolocation behaviour. In gap situations, Xyways tended to be narrower and located closer to background structures, Xight speeds were lower and the bandwidth of echolocation signals was larger than in edge situations. DiVerences in background structure did not aVect Xight and echolocation behaviour. When commuting in the same gap situation Xyway positions and dimensions for M. daubentonii and Myotis brandtii were similar but diVered from those of Pipistrellus pipistrellus, which were slightly higher and further out than those used by the Myotis species. In M. brandtii, Xyway positions and dimensions remained constant over 3 years. We found species-dependent diVerences in signal structure, but pulse interval and Xight speed were similar across all species. The inXuence of available space on the position of Xyways, on Xight speed and on echolocation behaviour is discussed.