Carnivory in the greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) in Italy

An analysis of 59 droppings of the greater noctule Nyctalus lasiopterus, co llected either during direct handling of the bat or from the bat-boxes used as shelters in the plan di Novello Natural Reserve (Tuscany, Italy), has s hown that it is a partial carnivore. The content of the samples, collected in October and November of 1995 and in September and October of 1996 and 19 97, consisted mainly of bird feathers identified as those of the robin Erit hacus rubecula and the blue tit Parus caeruleus. The presence of feathers d uring the 3 consecutive years of the study period confirms that the diet of the greater noctule in this area is not based exclusively on arthropods as was previously suggested.