Stunned Skydiver Records Amazing Video of a Bird Landing on Him Mid-Dive!

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: October 18, 2023
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Reddit is a website that is full of incredible content. You can find forums on just about any hobbies or interests you may have. If you’re like the rest of the world and have a love for wild animal encounters, you have to see this video! 

Check Out the Incredible Video! 

Although it’s hard to tell from the footage, someone appears to be skydiving or paragliding. Either way, this thrillseeker is enjoying their time when a bird flies to them from behind! The person puts out their hand and without hesitation, the bird steps on! 

There is some debate in the comments on what type of bird this is. Some say a white-headed vulture, while others say a Cali Condor. If it is a vulture or another type of Carrion, it wouldn’t be the first time one has gone viral for landing on a paraglider. 

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If you look closely when the bird lands, you can spot a bracelet around the animal’s leg. Organizations use these bracelets for tracking and conservation. With that being said, this could mean the bird is trained to land on people during a paragliding or skydiving excursion.

How High Do Vultures Fly?

Believe it or not, vultures are one of the highest-soaring birds in the world! The Griffon Vulture can fly up to 37,000 feet! How do these birds fly so high? They mostly control it via soaring, which involves using heat thermals to get to that elevation.  

Ruppell's griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii) flying in the blue sky.

Griffon Vultures can fly up to 37,000 feet!

©Cinematographer/Shutterstock.com

This is an extremely energy-efficient method of reaching and maintaining that height. Certain species are well equipped to get sufficient energy from even the most rarified air at that height because they have very effective cardiovascular systems.

What Does it Mean if a Bird Lands on You?

California condor flying against a cloudless blue sky

California condors are one of the fastest animals in California.

©Brian A Wolf/Shutterstock.com

Although the particular bird in this video may be trained to land on people, for many individuals it holds spiritual significance. The bird might perceive you as a solid and secure resting location, which is the primary practical explanation. 

Maybe you’re lying on the grass or sitting still on a bench in the park. Spiritually speaking, if a bird lands on you, it can be an indication of luck in the future. When a bird lands on your hand, you should take caution and maintain your balance. 

The fact that the bird chose to land on your hand suggests that they have faith in you despite the possibility of risk. As a result, you must have faith in your skills and abilities. No matter what it means, the video will truly leave you in awe! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jon_Clark/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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