Recent scientific research has documented the in-flight predation by a greater noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus), Europe’s largest bat species, on a robin. The study, which involved equipping bats in southern Spain with miniature recording devices, captured data on acceleration, altitude, and audio. One recorded instance detailed a bat ascending to 1.2 kilometers before encountering and capturing its avian prey. Audio analysis confirmed a bite and subsequent continuous consumption of the bird during 23 minutes of flight, with no observed loss of altitude. Scientists associated with the research noted the demanding nature of this aerial predation, illustrating the effort by likening it to a human consuming an animal half their body weight while jogging. The findings also suggest that nocturnal bat hunting may confer an advantage, as migrating birds might not detect an approaching bat until close proximity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/09/grisly-recording-reveals-bat-catching-killing-and-eating-robin-mid-flight