Macheiramphus

The bat hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus) is one of the most extraordinary and specialized birds of prey in the world—. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of New Guinea, this fascinating predator is a master of twilight skies, living a life that unfolds mostly when the day ends and the night begins. With its long, pointed wings, dark plumage, and lightning-fast reflexes, the bat hawk is nature’s perfect aerial hunter, evolved for one of the most challenging hunting feats in the animal kingdom—catching bats on the wing at dusk.

Unlike most raptors that hunt during the day, the bat hawk is crepuscular, active only at dawn and dusk. It times its hunts precisely, appearing in the sky at the same moment thousands of bats pour from caves, hollow trees, or rooftops. Its long, narrow wings and deeply forked tail give it unmatched agility and speed—comparable to that of falcons—allowing it to twist and dive through the air in hot pursuit of its fast-flying prey.

As dusk falls, it takes to the air and begins circling near bat roosts, waiting for the exact moment when the bats emerge. Then, in a burst of acrobatics, it dives and weaves through the air, plucking bats midflight with astonishing accuracy. Studies have shown that it can catch and consume a bat every 30 seconds during peak feeding times—a testament to its efficiency. It also occasionally feeds on small birds or large insects, but bats make up the vast majority of its diet, making it a true dietary specialist among raptors.