Microbats are the group of bats known for their use of echolocation. Their nocturnal habitats coupled with poor night-time vision make echolocation their main sensory tool for navigating and hunting. Echo-locating bats emit high-frequency sounds from their voice box (larynx) and listen to the returning echoes. They can detect an object as small as 1 millimeter (0.5 inches). However, echolocation for hunting has a downside. Most of the sounds emitted by bats are too high-frequency for humans to hear. But other animals, such as some moths, crickets, and beetles, have developed bat-detecting ears. Whether on their legs, head, or abdomen, bat-detecting ears allow the prey to hear the bat coming from as far away as 40 meters (130 feet). Given that echo-locating bats cannot detect moths until they are within about 5 meters (16.5 feet), the prey may be able to escape before the bat finds it.

Bats are the only mammals that truly fly. While some other mammals, such as flying squirrels, are able to glide, bats alone use flapping wings to power their flight. Their wings are formed from modified front legs, with a membrane connecting their fingers together but leaving the thumb free. Extra-long hand and finger bones give them a large wingspan. Thin, lightweight bones keep their body weight low. Bats flap their wings using muscles in their chests and backs, as well as extra muscles in the wing membrane. The rear ends of bats are also modified for flight. The wing membrane connects to the hind legs, and sometimes even to the tail, giving the bat more surface area for flying. Strong toes, some with tendons that can lock into a rigid position, allow bats to hang upside down. Suspended from sharp claws, they can quickly take flight.