摘要：SummaryForaging on nocturnally migrating birds is one of the most challenging foraging tasks in the animal kingdom. Only three bat species (e.g.,Ia io) known to date can prey on migratory birds. However, how these bats have exploited this challenging dietary niche remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate thatI.iohunts at the altitude of migrating birds during the bird migration season. The foragingI.ioexhibited high flight altitudes (up to 4945 m above sea level) and high flight speeds (up to 143.7 km h−1).I.ioin flight can actively prey on birds in the night sky via echolocation cues. Genes associated with DNA damage repair, hypoxia adaptation, biting and mastication, and digestion and metabolism have evolved to adapt to this species’ avivorous habits. Our results suggest that the evolution of behavioral innovation and genomic novelty are associated with the exploitation of challenging dietary opportunities.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Predation on nocturnally migrating birds is rare and challenging in nature•Bats exhibit high flight altitude and speed associated with foraging on migrating birds•Bats can actively prey on birds in the night sky via echolocation cues•The adaptive evolution of genes enables bats to adapt to the avivorous habitsWildlife behavior; Ethology; Evolutionary ecology
