Noctilionidae - bulldog bats

There are two species of medium-sized bats in this family, the greater bulldog bat and the lesser bulldog bat. They are found from Mexico south to South America.

Bulldog bats have full lips and cheek pouches that they use to store food! They have reddish-orange, yellowish-brown, or gray fur. They have long, pointed ears; long, narrow wings; legs that are longer than most the legs of most bat species; and large feet with claws.

Bulldog bats are good walkers and live in colonies in trees, rock crevices, attics, or caves. They are usually found near a source of water.

Both species eat flying insects. The greater bulldog bat uses its large feet and claws to catch fish, frogs, and crustaceans! It uses echolocation to locate the ripples caused by fish swimming near the surface of the water. It then uses it long, sharp claws to catch the fish. It takes its prey to a perch where it eats it.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

New Hampshire Species		North/Central American Species
None		Lesser Bulldog Bat - Noctilio albiventris Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
Lesser Bulldog Bat - Noctilio albiventris		Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus
The greater bulldog bat is found from Mexico through Central America and northern and central South America. It is also found in the Caribbean.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus
Greater bulldog bats roost in caves, rocky crevices, or hollow trees.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus
Greater bulldog bats fly low over the water at night and use echolocation to locate fish.
Source: Animal Planet Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Greater Bulldog Bat - Noctilio leporinus
Greater bulldog bats use their large talons to catch fish.
Source: BBC Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Lesser Bulldog Bat - Noctilio albiventris
The lesser bulldog bat is found from southern Mexico through Central America and northern and central South America.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Lesser Bulldog Bat - Noctilio albiventris
The lesser bulldog bat is always found near streams, bodies of water, or other moist places.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School