Flying Mammals

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. They belong to the order Chiroptera, which means "hand-wing." Their wing is simply a modified hand specially adapted for flight. The bones in the wing are the same as those in a human arm and hand, but with very long fingers. The four elongated fingers support the wing membrane and the thumb is used for clinging to trees or cave walls. Each finger can move independently to manipulate the wing to trap insects, quickly change direction, or hover in mid-air. When roosting, the wings fold along either side of the bat like a collapsed umbrella.