The greater noctule bat is the largest bat in Europe. This rare, nocturnal hunter is about the size and weight of a Snickers bar. Their diet is made up of mostly insects, like moths.
But sometimes these busy bats feast on small birds. Scientists know this because they found bird DNA in the bats’ poop. However, scientists have never actually seen how the greater noctule bat tracks and catches birds during flight. Until now …
Scientists attached an ultralight backpack to the bats, containing a biologger that recorded acceleration, altitude, and sound. The device captured an incredible hunt in action: a bat detecting a European robin 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above ground, following it almost to the forest floor, and then catching it in the air. The biologger picked up distress calls from the robin. It also recorded the unmistakable crunch of the bat chewing its bird prey.
Watch this episode of Then Vs Now to learn more:
