In their global review Mikula et al. (2016) gathered more than 1500 cases of bat predation by diurnal birds. The number of Dutch reports is still quite small, although Bekker & Mostert (1991) produced a comprehensive review. Their work is supplemented here with new reports and older cases from obscure literature (Table 1). Hobbies and Peregrine Falcons are the most prolific bat hunters in The Netherlands. With the recent increase in Dutch Peregrines observations of bat predation by this species have increased in frequency. This is mostly due to easy access to prey remains in nest boxes, in contrast to the difficulties surrounding prey collection at nest sites of tree-nesting Hobbies. Only 58% of collected bat remains were identified to species level. Noctules (58%) and Serotines (38%) were the most encountered prey species. The only other confirmed species being Common Pipistrelle, with just one case (4%). It is likely that other species of bats and raptors are involved in similar interactions. Dutch raptor researchers and observers are asked to report unpublished cases of bat predation by raptors, and to save the collected remains for identification by bat experts.

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Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland

A. De Baerdemaker. (2019). Vleermuizen als prooi van Nederlandse roofvogels: overzicht van een onderbelicht fenomeen. De Takkeling, 27(1), 83–90.