Hoary Bat

Four of the many wildlife species that migrate between Canada and Mexico are featured on a se-tenant block of commemorative stamps to be issued August 15, 1995. The wildlife depicted include an insect (the monarch butterfly), a mammal (the hoary bat) and two birds (the northern pintail and the belted kingfisher). The migration habits of each are unique, but all travel for the same reason: to ensure their survival by finding distinct habitats in each country. Canada's hoary bat is among the largest of North American bat species, measuring 130-140 mm (almost six inches) in length and possessing a wing-spread of almost 384-415 mm (about 17 inches). The bat's fur is a dark mahogany brown with silver frosting over the back. The hoary bat is a solitary tree-dwelling species that roosts by day and hunts by night. These flying mammals have poor vision, and have adapted by using echolocation or biosonar to locate their prey. The bats emits a sound and listens for a "bounce back" which indicates an object ahead. Their flight is strong and swift at a moderately high altitude - some seven to fifteen metres above ground! Fall migrations occurs from late August to early October. Migration is mostly at night at a speed of about 20 kilometres per hour. After a winter in Mexico's forested areas, spring migration begins in May or June, with the females migrating earlier than the males. Mating appears to take place in the fall, and may continue on the wintering grounds and during migration. Gestation begins when the females return to the summer range. The young - usually two - are born in June and July.