Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is a species of bat found throughout much of Central and South America, as well as parts of the United States. They are named for their long, narrow tails that extend beyond the edge of their wings, giving them a "free-tailed" appearance.

Mexican free-tailed bats are medium to large in size, with a wingspan of around 12-14 inches and a weight of 0.5-1 ounces. They have long, pointed ears and a triangular face.

Mexican free-tailed bats are insectivorous and feed on a variety of insects such as moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. They are strong fliers and use echolocation to navigate and hunt for prey.

Mexican free-tailed bats are social animals and often form large colonies in trees, caves, or man-made structures. They are known to migrate long distances in search of food and suitable roosting sites.

One of the most notable features of Mexican free-tailed bats is their high-speed aerial hunting. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest animals on earth.

Mexican free-tailed bats are important to the ecosystem as they help to control pest populations and play a role in pollination. However, they, like many other bat species, are facing threats such as habitat loss and disease. It is important to protect and conserve these vital animals for the health of our ecosystems.

In the United States, Mexican free-tailed bats are found in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, and are known to inhabit famous landmarks such as the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, where a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats roosts. These bats are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their dramatic emergence at dusk, when they fly out from under the bridge to forage for food.