Echo detection thresholds in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) vary with echo spectral content

Abstract

Echolocating big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) broadcast downward frequency-modulated sweeps covering the ultrasonic range from 100–23 kHz in two harmonics. They perceive target range from the time delay between each broadcast and its returning echo. Previous experiments indicated that the bat's discrimination acuity for broadcast-echo delay declines when the lowest frequencies (23–35 kHz) in the first harmonic of an echo are removed. This experiment examined whether echo detection is similarly impaired. Results show that detection thresholds for echoes missing these lowest frequencies are raised. Increased thresholds for echoes differing in spectra facilitates the bat's ability to discriminate against clutter.