In a discovery that’s changing how scientists view nocturnal predators, researchers have captured the first direct evidence of a bat hunting and eating a bird midflight. According to a new study published in Science detailed how Europe’s largest bat — the greater noctule bat — was recorded catching a European robin thousands of feet above the ground and consuming it while flying.
The remarkable moment was detected using lightweight sensors fitted to bats in Spain’s Doñana National Park. The recordings revealed intense flapping followed by distress calls from a bird — and then unmistakable chewing sounds lasting over twenty minutes. Scientists confirmed it was a robin based on audio patterns, reconstructing what they described as a “dogfight” in the night sky.
For decades, biologists suspected that greater noctules occasionally fed on birds, having found feathers and avian DNA in their droppings. But this is the first time such behavior has been directly observed. The bats, which typically feed on insects, appear to adapt their diet to exploit the abundance of migratory birds passing overhead during spring and autumn. Researchers believe this extra protein helps them prepare for breeding and hibernation seasons.
While the finding might sound grim, it highlights the astonishing adaptability of animals — a group of creatures already under immense pressure from habitat loss, pesticides, and Climate change. Understanding their feeding behavior is vital for Conservation, especially as many bat species provide crucial ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination.
Every insight into the hidden world above us reminds us how much remains unknown about our shared planet. Protecting bats means protecting balance in the night skies — and the wider web of life they Support.
Let’s continue supporting efforts to safeguard wildlife and promote a healthy environment for all species.
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