What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Bats And Birds?

Bats and birds may have a lot in common, but they’re actually totally different creatures. Read on, and I'll tell you why!

How Are Bats And Birds Similar?

• They both eat fruit, nectar and insects
• They have streamlined bodies, which makes it easier for them to fly
• Both creatures have wings (there's no point in having aerodynamic bodies if you haven't got any wings!)
• They’re both around the same size
• They both live in trees
• Both are very shy around humans

I know those seem like some pretty big similarities, but in my opinion, the differences are much bigger!

What Are The Differences Between Bats And Birds?

• Bats are mammals, and birds are…well, they’re birds!
• Bats have fur, whereas birds have feathers
• Bats give birth, but birds lay eggs
• Bats have arms, hands and feet – birds only have talons!
• Bats are warm-blooded, but birds generate their own heat
• Nearly all bats are nocturnal, whereas only some birds are.

In fact, a bat is more like a winged mouse than it is a bird. If you ever get the chance to see a bat up-close, you’ll see that it does actually look like a rodent with wings. They're cute, though!