White-striped Freetail Bat

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White-striped Freetail Bat - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann

Tadarida australis

A large very soft furred bat. Dark brown to black fur on the back, slightly lighter underparts. Very broad and ribbed ears and wrinkled lips. The tail extends from the tail membrane. Both sexes display a throat pouch. Weight 33-41 g.

Details
Type
Mammal
Group
Animals
Placental
Biology

Roosts under peeling bark and in tree hollows. Females form colonies of approximately 20 while males roost alone or in small groups. Hibernation occurs over winter. One or two young are born in October-November. They forage below the canopy amongst vegetation.
Distinctive Markings

A distinct white stripe of fur occurs along each side of the body under the wings. May also have white patches on the chest.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Chiroptera
Family
Molossidae
Genus
Tadarida
Species
australis
Across southern Australia except Tasmania.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Largest of all the free-tail bats, bats which have part of their bony tail extending from the tail membrane. One of the few microbats with calls able to be heard by humans.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Moths, bugs, grasshoppers, ants and non-flying beetles.
Habitat

Grasslands, forests, woodland, shrubland and urban areas.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Audio samples
Sounds
The echolocation call is an audible metallic "ting-ting-ting", heard at night.