Golden Drop

Golden eagles exhibit an instinctual predatory behavior known as “prey dropping,” in which they carry large or resistant prey items—like tortoises or small ungulates—into the air and release them onto rocks to break their shells or bones, a technique believed to be partially innate but refined through learning and experience.

Juvenile eagles often practice this behavior with inanimate objects, honing their grip strength, flight angles, and release timing to optimize impact force.

Neurobiologically, this behavior is supported by advanced spatial processing in the bird’s optic tectum and forebrain regions, allowing precise calculation of drop height and trajectory to maximize lethality while conserving energy and minimizing direct risk to the eagle itself.