Who are better flyers: Bats or birds? 

We all know that bats fly like birds do. However, few of us have seen them soaring high on the sky because they are nocturnal animals and rarely seen in daylight. Many of you might think that they are similar to birds while it comes to flying. But that may not be true. The wing structure and flying patterns of bats are considerably different from those of birds. Unlike birds, bats use their wings to flip up and down. Now, that’s interesting. Curious to know more? Read on. 

Wing structure of bats and birds 
As already mentioned, bats and birds have different wing structures. You are probably wondering what science has to say about these nocturnal creatures and their wing structure. Well, researchers from Sweden, Germany and the United States found out the difference. Birds have feathers attached to their light, fused arms and hand bones. On the contrary, bats have flexible and short wings, with membranes stretched between their long fingers. These membranes give bat wings their flexibility and thinness. Thus, the wing generates less drag (pull) and captures more air. In addition, the stretchy wings help bats generate greater lift in the air with lesser energy as compared to birds. Birds spend more energy to reach the same height because of the rigid wing structure.   

How bats and birds fly differently?  
Birds and bats fly in different ways owing to differences in their wing structure. A bat has several finger joints that allow it to perform more complex motions than birds. Bats flap their wing slower yet more precisely than birds. This is because bats have smaller flying muscles than birds.  

However, you’d be surprised to know that bats cannot take flight from the ground, like most birds do, due to their weak muscles. They cannot even generate lift by running because of their little legs! Instead, a bat on the ground must climb to a height and then drop to take off! So, you probably won’t see a bat standing on the ground for these reasons. This is also the reason why bats like to stay hanging on trees. It helps them take off easily in case of any threats and dangers! In contrast, birds have wing structures that help them take off directly from the ground surface. 

Why do bats fly more efficiently than birds? 
You are already aware of the differences in the wing structures and flying patterns of bats and birds. But what is it exactly that makes them more efficient flyers?  

Bats may have irregular movements, but they are more effective flyers than birds. Researchers believe that the bat wing structure contributes to a more efficient flight, lending incredible flexibility and movement that bat wings demonstrate! Bats have better control over the shape that wings take during each flight. This helps them make minute adjustments during flight, increasing overall efficiency. Geoffrey Spedding, an aerospace professor at the University of Southern California, is of the opinion that bats have greater adaptability for fast and efficient flight in complex situations. Spedding’s statement is has much truth in it as bats have flexible skin membranes and multi-joint wings. This structure gives bats more lift, less drag and greater speed while flying. Bats also have great control over the three-dimensional shape of their wings when flying.