At first glance, the idea of a bird picking up a deer seems preposterous. Deer can weigh over 100 pounds, while even the largest birds rarely exceed 30 pounds. However, the answer to this question lies not in the brute strength of birds, but in their intelligence and behavior.
Vultures
Vultures are probably the most likely candidates when it comes to birds “picking up” deer. However, they do not lift the deer physically. Instead, groups of vultures will feast on dead and decaying deer. Up to 100 vultures may feed on a single carcass, and with their sharp beaks they can quickly skeletonize the body. So in a gruesome sense, the vultures “pick up” the deer by consuming all of its flesh and leaving behind only the bones.
Eagles
Large eagles like the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle are capable of taking down small deer in some cases, usually fawns. However, they do so by sinking their talons into the back of the neck and killing the deer instantly. They do not have the strength to lift the deer and fly off with it. At most, they may be able to drag a small fawn a short distance along the ground.
Steller’s Sea Eagles
Steller’s Sea Eagles are among the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. They possess enough strength in their talons to theoretically lift a deer calf or juvenile a short way off the ground, provided the deer is under around 15-20lbs. There are anecdotal reports of Steller’s Sea Eagles killing and carrying off foxes and other mid-sized mammals. However, most of their diet consists of fish and seabirds.
Griffon Vultures
Like the name suggests, Griffon Vultures are huge, bulky vultures that feed mostly on carrion. They have been known to kill turtles, rabbits, and other small animals, though carcasses make up most of their diet. Their wingspans can reach over 9 feet across, giving them enough power that they may be able to lift a small deer fawn and fly short distances with it. But they do not actively hunt deer- instead scavenging any carcasses they find.
Orcas
While not a bird, orcas or “killer whales” are known to “pick up” deer when hunting close to shore. Orcas will grab deer and elk swimming between islands and toss them into the air over and over while drowning them. They can also momentarily lift deer out of shallow waters during these attacks. So in coastal regions, orcas are probably the closest example to a bird or animal physically lifting deer off the ground.
Conclusions
No bird can lift an adult deer off the ground and fly away with it. However, there are some large bird species like Steller’s Sea Eagle and Griffon Vulture that may be able to lift smaller deer for short distances. More often, vultures and eagles will feed on deer remains and may drag carcasses short distances. While not a bird, orcas are known to temporarily “lift” deer while drowning them in coastal waters.
Bird | Can It Lift a Deer? |
---|---|
Vultures | No, but they can feed on carcass |
Eagles | No, but can hunt fawns |
Steller’s Sea Eagle | May lift small deer briefly |
Griffon Vulture | May lift small fawn briefly |
Orca | Can “lift” deer while drowning |
Biggest Birds That Can Potentially Lift Small Animals
California Condor
– Wingspan: 9.5-10.5 feet
– Weight: 25 pounds
– May lift small rabbits and fawns
Andean Condor
– Wingspan: 10.5 feet
– Weight: 33 pounds
– May lift small deer fawns
Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Wingspan: 8 feet
– Weight: 20 pounds
– Documented lifting foxes and deer fawns
Philippine Eagle
– Wingspan: 7 feet
– Weight: 18 pounds
– Potentially capable of lifting small deer
Lappet-Faced Vulture
– Wingspan: 9.5 feet
– Weight: 25 pounds
– May lift small mammals and carcasses
How Orcas “Lift” and Hunt Deer
Orcas are apex predators that sometimes hunt deer when the deer are in coastal waters. Here is how the orcas attack and “lift” the deer:
Herding
Orcas will herd and frighten deer forcing them to swim between islands and shallow areas. This isolates the deer making them vulnerable.
Grabbing
Using their massive jaws and teeth, orcas will grab and clamp down on deer as they are swimming. They will also breach the water and sometimes grab deer at the water’s edge.
Tossing
Once grabbed, orcas will throw and toss the deer into the air repeatedly. This exhausts and disorients the deer.
Lifting
As the deer struggle in shallow water, orcas are able to temporarily lift them out of the water using their mouths while drowning their prey.
Feeding
Once the deer have drowned, the orcas will tear off flesh and feed on the carcass.