Page:Bird Haunts and Nature Memories - Thomas Coward (Warne, 1922).pdf/124

88 hind-legs." Thus more than a hundred years ago the observant parson saw an action which later naturalists ignored; but it is evident that the use of the interfemoral pouch is not to force the prey into the mouth, but to secure such a hold upon it that it shall not escape.

After food and exercise the noctules invariably performed an elaborate toilet before retiring once more. The ablutions were performed as they hung by one leg; with ease they reached every part of the body or wing membrane with the other leg, combing out the fur, scratching the back, head, or belly. They sucked their toes as they combed, washing and brushing at the same time, and twisting into curious positions, swinging from side to side.

My male bat took more vigorous exercise than the female. He seldom struck an object, but would sometimes brush lightly over my head as he passed. Once he touched an electric globe, but he circled round and round the wire without stirring it. Unlike some bats, which can reverse in the air, he invariably alighted on an upright object head uppermost, clutching first with his thumbs, but instantly shuffled round and took hold with his feet, thus hanging in the most convenient position for a renewal of flight.

How the flying noctule becomes aware of the presence of prey, when both are passing rapidly through the air, is not easy to understand, especially as we cannot be sure how perfect is its eyesight. Experiments with other bats have satisfied me that the power of vision differs considerably in the various species. The big-eyed, longeared bat certainly seems to see well; the horseshoes, in which the little eye is almost hidden in the fur, certainly see but little. The noctule uses its eyes, but it may be short-sighted. One thing is certain, its hearing is good, and the vibration of an insect's wing may set up notes which it can