A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 104; Flight Crew Total 944; Flight Crew Type 944
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
On a visual approach to Runway 35R into ZZZ at approximately 1;500 feet we flew through a swarm of bats. We could see and hear them striking the plane. After landing we counted approximately 75 to 100 bats contacted the plane. Nose cone; windshields; engines; cowlings; wings and tail. We contacted Maintenance and the local station ops and sent a maintenance code. ATC told us the aircraft in front of us on approach reported hitting bats; but didn't mention how many. If we had an idea it would be so many we probably would have chosen a different runway or held until they moved from the area.
A320 First Officer reported multiple bird (bat) strikes on final approach that resulted in damage to the aircraft.