What Is It?

By MDC | January 1, 2024
From Xplor: January/February 2024
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  • By day, I hang out in a tree.
  • At night, I use sound waves to “see.”
  • In winter and summer, I flee.
  • The color of my hair is the key.
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Silver-Haired Bat

Silver-haired bats are named for the white-tipped hairs on their backs, which give them a frosty appearance. They’re most abundant in Missouri during their spring and fall migrations. At night, they hunt flying insects, using echoes from high-pitched squeaks to pinpoint prey. During the day, they sleep in trees. Although most live in forests north and south of Missouri, a few raise babies in northern Missouri, and a few spend winter here in hollow trees, rock crevices, and houses.

Also In This Issue

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Red Shouldered Hawk
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Make this mini field guide to learn about Missouri’s birds of prey

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Muskrat
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Hungry muskrats are the architects of the marshes where they live.

This Issue's Staff

Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber