Bats Caught Hunting and Eating Birds Mid-Flight in Stunning Discovery

A recent study has provided the first direct evidence that bats are capable of hunting, killing, and eating birds while in flight. Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark used tiny data-recording backpacks to track the behaviors of greater noctule bats in southern Spain.

The tracking devices captured the bats' altitude, speed, and the sounds of their prey encounters, revealing a remarkable hunting strategy. In one instance, a bat was recorded climbing to over 1,200 meters before rapidly diving towards and consuming a migrating robin. The feeding sounds lasted for 23 minutes, indicating the bat was able to eat the bird while still airborne.

"It's fascinating that bats are not only able to catch them, but also to kill and eat them while flying," said co-author Dr. Laura Stidsholt. "A bird like that weighs about half as much as the bat itself - it would be like me catching and eating a 35-kilo animal while jogging."

The study also found evidence of bird wings scattered beneath the bats' roosting areas, with DNA analysis linking them to species like robins and warblers. Researchers believe the bats discard the wings to make it easier to consume the rest of the bird in mid-air.

Experts say this discovery reshapes our understanding of aerial predators, as the noctule bats can ascend to the same altitudes as migrating birds and strike with precision, all while maintaining flight under the cover of darkness. The findings could help inform conservation strategies for both bats and birds.