This is certainly an unusual question! The idea of a bird large and strong enough to carry a goat in flight seems fantastical. However, by analyzing the clues in the question, we can make some deductions about what bird could potentially perform such a feat.
Looking at Birds of Prey Capable of Lifting Large Prey
First, we know this must be a bird of prey, as these are the only birds that actively hunt and kill other animals for food. Second, it must be an exceptionally large and powerful bird to lift a creature as heavy as a goat. Goats can weigh anywhere from 25-100+ lbs depending on breed and age. This eliminates smaller birds of prey like hawks, falcons, and eagles. Only the very largest flying birds could potentially lift and carry a goat.
The two birds that fit these criteria are the Andean condor and the Eurasian black vulture. The Andean condor is found in South America and can have a wingspan over 10 feet and weight up to 33 lbs. The Eurasian black vulture is found from southern Europe to India and can have a wingspan around 9 feet and weight up to 40 lbs. Both huge scavenging birds feed mainly on carrion but are capable of killing small deer and livestock.
Andean Condors Hunting Behavior
Of these two massive birds, the Andean condor seems the more likely culprit to go after a goat. Here are some key facts about the hunting and feeding behaviors of the Andean condor that support this theory:
- Has been documented attacking and killing calves and baby deer
- Will feed on sheep, goats, and alpacas in the Andes mountains
- Are intelligent and opportunistic hunters
- Glide on wind currents to sneak up on prey
- Use wings and talons to kill prey by trauma
- Has enough strength to lift large prey off the ground once dead
The Andean condor seems well equipped to take down smaller adult goats or juveniles by launching an aerial ambush. They have enough power and weight to achieve sufficient momentum to knock the goat off balance or over a cliff ledge once in position above it.
Documented Cases of Condors Dropping Prey
There are documented cases of Andean condors dropping turtle shells and bones from great heights against rocks or cliffsides to crack them open for feeding. Dropping goat prey from heights could potentially allow the condors to kill or injure it, making consumption easier. Here are some examples:
- Condors observed dropping turtle shells from over 100 feet onto rocks along Sea of Cortez in Mexico
- Reported sightings of condors releasing bone fragments mid-flight to break them on Andean cliffs
- Video footage of condor dropping tortoise shell from 80 feet onto stone slab in Peru, cracking it open
While there are no direct documented cases of condors utilizing this dropping method on goats specifically, it seems well within their capabilities based on observed hunting behaviors.
Andean Condor Habitat Overlap with Goats
Another factor that points to the Andean condor hunting and dropping goats is habitat overlap. Goats and condors coexist in many mountainous regions of South America. This increases interaction opportunities. Areas where condors live alongside goat herds include:
- Andes mountains of Peru, Chile, and Argentina
- Sierra Nevada mountains of California – introduced condor population
- Mountain cliffs and crags where wild or feral goats reside
The Andean condor’s vast historical range and remaining stronghold high in the Andes means overlap with goat populations there. Condors can utilize open grasslands to take off and attack from above.
Eurasian Black Vulture Less Likely to Hunt Goats
The Eurasian black vulture, while a massive bird potentially capable of carrying goats, is less likely to purposefully hunt down and drop live goat prey. Here’s why:
- Feeds almost entirely on carrion – less likely to kill live prey
- Lacks talons specialized for hunting compared to condors
- More limited habitat overlap with feral goats currently
- No documented examples of dropping prey items from heights
The black vulture tends to be more of an opportunistic scavenger, though it could potentially startle and accidentally knock goats off cliffs when competing for carcasses. But active hunting and purposeful dropping of live goats seems more probable from the Andean condor based on current knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Andean condor seems the most likely candidate for the behavior described based on its immense size and strength, predilection for medium-sized livestock, habitual cliffside habitat, technique of dropping prey items, and direct overlap with goat populations in South America. Witness reports of such a spectacle in the Andes mountains would not be unheard of given the available evidence, though reports are lacking. Eurasian black vultures possess less inclination for live prey hunting compared to condors. Perhaps one day sure footage will emerge to solve the mystery of what giant bird is capable of dropping goat prey from cliffs.
