The common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) is a very small bat, which is difficult to distinguish from the soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) on the basis of physical characteristics and from the Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) in the young. It is one of the most common bat species, which can often be observed in settlements at dusk.
Lives in many habitats, also in residential areas and cities, sometimes forages at street lamps, in forests, at meadows and water bodies.
From May onwards, nursery roosts of 50 - 100 animals usually occupy crevice roosts, such as shutters, facades and rock crevices or tree bark. Surroundings of the roosts are usually marked by droppings (e.g. on house walls). Swarming from May to September with a peak in August e.g. at winter quarters (caves) or on empty buildings. Hibernates from November to March, on buildings, cellars, caves and rock crevices. Also leave winter quarters to forage in warm weather.
One or two young are born from mid-June to early July and become independent at four weeks of age, after which the maternity roosts quickly disperse. Sexual maturity usually occurs in autumn of the year of birth.
- Head-torso length: 35-50 mm - Forearm length: 28-34 m - Wing span: 180-220 mm.
3-7 g.
Brown, dark to reddish brown upper side, slightly lighter under side. Very dark to black snout, ears and wings. Penis grey.
Short, relatively broad. Tragus slightly curved inwards, rounded, longer than wide.
Relatively pointed and narrow.
Very agile, flying up and down on longer tracks with sudden turns and swoops to acquire prey. Hunting from about 10 min after sunset throughout the night.
Quasi-constant frequency calls with a start frequency of 50-60 kHz and end frequencies of 42-49 kHz. Main frequency at 44-47 kHz.
Overall, populations seem to be increasing slightly. As with all bat species, there is an increased risk from pesticide use and building renovation. Furthermore, especially inexperienced juveniles often die in "ecological traps", e.g. when they enter buildings through tilted windows while exploring the surroundings and looking for a roost, which can then become lethal traps for entire groups because the juveniles follow each other. IUCN (2019): Least Concern. Red List of Germany (2020): not endangered.