Flight kinematics and energetics in the little brown bat, <i>Myotis lucifugus</i> (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with reference to the influence of ground effect

Abstract

The kinematics of flight in the little brown bat are described, both with and without the influence of ground effect. These data are used to estimate aerodynamic power costs and the reduction in power due to ground effect. The significance of ground effect to the foraging energetics of this species is discussed.