In a recent study, ecologists have uncovered evidence in a 17th-century painting by Flemish artist Jan Brueghel the Elder that suggests Europe’s largest bat is capable of catching and consuming birds mid-flight. The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, points to a painting titled “Air” where a large noctule bat is depicted holding a limp songbird in its jaws.

The discovery was made by researcher Miguel Clavero, who initially set out to catalog all animals in the painting. Clavero consulted bat experts who confirmed the possibility of a bat preying on a bird based on the depiction in the artwork. This revelation aligns with previous findings where researchers found bird feathers in bat feces, indicating a preference for larger prey.

The painting’s inclusion of this behavior has sparked debate among experts. While some believe the painter may have witnessed such events in nature, others suggest it could be artistic embellishment common in 17th-century paintings. Regardless, the discovery highlights the potential for historical art to reveal hidden insights into wildlife behaviors.

Ecologists and researchers involved in the study emphasize the importance of exploring historical sources like art to uncover new information about biodiversity and natural history. This finding opens up possibilities for further discoveries in paintings and manuscripts that could provide valuable insights into the natural world.