Ecologist Miguel Clavero’s recent findings shed light on the remarkable hunting behavior of Europe’s largest bat species. The study revealed that these bats are capable of catching and consuming birds mid-flight, a behavior that was first scientifically proven last year. Interestingly, evidence of this behavior was also discovered in a 17th-century painting by Flemish artist Jan Brueghel the Elder.
In the painting titled “Air,” over 60 bird species soar across the canvas alongside three bat species. Notably, a large noctule bat in the upper right corner appears to be holding a limp songbird in its jaws. Miguel Clavero, a co-author of the study, collaborated with bat experts to confirm this observation, linking it to the bats’ ability to catch and feed on birds.
The quest to understand the predatory behavior of greater noctule bats began in 2001 when researchers found bird feathers in bat droppings, indicating a diet beyond insects. Last year, researchers utilized advanced technology by equipping bats with tracking devices to monitor their movements and vocalizations, confirming their bird-catching capabilities.
While experts acknowledge the possibility that Brueghel may have captured real-life bat behavior in his painting, some suggest it could be artistic imagination or symbolic representation. Regardless, the discovery highlights the potential for uncovering valuable biological insights in historical art. Ecologists believe that further exploration of historical artworks could reveal hidden aspects of biodiversity and natural history, offering new perspectives on our understanding of wildlife through the ages.