A recent study has unveiled that Europe’s largest bat possesses the remarkable ability to catch and consume birds while flying, a phenomenon observed centuries ago by a painter. The revelation came after researchers confirmed this behavior last year and further evidence was found in a 17th-century painting by Flemish artist Jan Brueghel the Elder.
In the painting titled “Air,” a variety of birds and bats are depicted soaring through the canvas, with one bat in the upper right corner appearing to be a large noctule bat holding a limp songbird in its jaws. Ecologist Miguel Clavero, along with other researchers, identified this scene, sparking interest in the bat’s predatory habits.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has been praised for connecting historical art with modern scientific research. Mirjam Knörnschild, an animal behavior expert, commended the study for uncovering valuable biological observations hidden within unexpected artistic sources.
Clavero’s investigation into Brueghel’s painting began as an effort to catalog the depicted animals, leading to the discovery of the bird-eating bats. While some experts speculate that the painter may have drawn inspiration from real natural history knowledge, others believe the depiction could be a product of artistic imagination rather than direct observation.
The study’s findings shed light on the historical representation of wildlife in art and emphasize the potential for uncovering hidden natural history insights within historical sources. This discovery not only highlights the intersection of art and science but also prompts a reconsideration of historical biodiversity and the potential for further discoveries in paintings and manuscripts.