Is it a bat or a bird?

[Tiffany]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and wondered if anyone could answer a question for me please?

We have a bat box on the side of the house and in the last two months we've noticed droppings directly underneath it. I would be delighted if it was a bat although the droppings are black and white so looks more like bird than bat. Having said that, I wouldn't have thought there would be a bird small enough to get in a bat box - would there?

Also in mammal section

Thanks

[tigertom]

hi and welcome to WAB, I would expect its a bird and there is a few birds that can fit though entrance to a bat box such as blue and coal tits, wrens, treecreeper and a few others.
MIKE

[Tiffany]

Thanks Tigertom, I know the birds you mentioned are really tiny but the entrance to bat box is so narrow. Hope whatever it is doesn't get stuck in there, that would be my worse nightmare.

[woodwench]

I believe bat poo looks a bit like mouse poo.

[Kayleigh]

Left an answer on the other thread.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Tiffany

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and wondered if anyone could answer a question for me please?

We have a bat box on the side of the house and in the last two months we've noticed droppings directly underneath it. I would be delighted if it was a bat although the droppings are black and white so looks more like bird than bat. Having said that, I wouldn't have thought there would be a bird small enough to get in a bat box - would there?

Also in mammal section

Thanks

Bat poo would be black/dark brown and is mainly the hard parts of eaten insects. Picking it up and rolling between finger and thumb it crumbles to dust, if it doesn't it is not. You will quickly learn which droppings are bat poo

[tigertom]

Originally Posted by Tiffany

Thanks Tigertom, I know the birds you mentioned are really tiny but the entrance to bat box is so narrow. Hope whatever it is doesn't get stuck in there, that would be my worse nightmare.

Would not worry about them getting stuck if it is birds useing your bat box as a winter roost if they can get in they can get out and have known both blue tits and to nest in bat boxs
MIKE

[Dogghound]

Birds such as tits regularly roost and often nest in bat boxes. They can squeeze into tiny gaps so I would'nt worry. Bat droppings do not contain the white "urine" of bird droppings. Like most other mammals bats urinate seperately.

[Tiffany]

Thanks everyone - didn't think bat poo had white in it. Oh well at least bat box is proving useful for a bird. The more wildlife in the garden the better

Tigertom - feel more relaxed knowing the bird won't get stuck - phew!