Summary ⁵

The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), also known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is a medium-sized bat that is native to the Americas and is widely regarded as one of the most abundant mammals in North America.

Description ⁶

A member of the Molossidae family, the Brazilian free-tailed bat has the characteristic mouse-like tail protruding beyond the flight membrane stretched between its hind legs. Relatively plain when compared to many bats, this species has brown fur, large ears that are nearly square, and a strongly wrinkled upper lip. However, it is superbly adapted to its aerial lifestyle, having long, narrow wings with pointed tips to enable very fast flight, and long hairs on the toes to judge flight speed and turbulence. The hind legs are short and powerful, making this bat an excellent climber (3).

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Jennifer Krauel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/batlove/5018086327/
2. (c) johnwilliams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by johnwilliams
3. (c) beaupix, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
4. (c) Cullen Hanks, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Cullen Hanks
5. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadarida_brasiliensis
6. (c) Wildscreen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/6687632

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• AMNH Bats of the World
• Animal Diversity Web
• ASM Mammal Diversity Database
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• CalPhotos
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• iNaturalist Mammal Working Group
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• VertNet

Range Map

(c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA)

iNat Map