Condors - the largest of all New World vultures
Condor refers to the largest species of New
World vultures; and the largest flying land
birds in the Western Hemisphere.
These impressive birds of prey weigh up to 33
pounds (11.8 kg); stand up to 4.3 feet (1.3
meters) tall, and have a wingspan of up to 11.5
feet (3.5 meters).
They inhabit large territories and may travel
150 miles (250 km) a day in search of prey.
Species, Ranges and ID:
The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
Range: Andes mountains
Status: Near-threatened within
their natural range; significant
declines have been reported
particularly in the northern part of
their range
Physical Differences: ~2 inches
(5 cm) shorter than the California Condor, but has a larger wingspan. Males can
easily be identified by the large comb (caruncle) on the head and the wattle on
the neck that is formed by folds of skin (absent in females)
Behavioral Differences: May kill some living prey, contrary to the California
Condor, which only feeds on carcasses..
The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
Range: Western coastal mountains of the United States
Status: Critically endangered. In 1982, only 22 California Condors were left in
the world. Due to conservation efforts, around 400 are now in existence, half of
which are found in the wild.
Physical Differences: Unlike the southern species, males and females look
alike, except males tend to be larger in size.
Appearance
Measurements
Andean Condor:
Body Length: 3-4 feet (0.9 - 1.2
meters)
Wingspan: Up to 11.5 feet (3.5
meters)
Weight: 17-33 pounds (7 - 11.8 kg)
California Condor:
Body Length: 3.8 - 4.3 feet (1.1-1.3
meters)
Wingspan: Up to 9-1/2 feet (2.8
meters)
Weight: 17-26 pounds (7-11 kg )
Description
These large, broad-winged
soaring birds have a black
plumage (in adults), with the
exception of white feathers at the
base of the neck and large patches or bands of white on the wings.
Juveniles are covered with a greyish down. Fledglings are almost as large as
adults. They are able to fly when they are about six months old.
As is typical of vultures, the head and neck are featherless. This facilitates
keeping these areas clean, which is necessary considering the fact that they
feed out of carcasses. The color of the skin on the necks changes depending on
the age of the birds and breeding condition. Adult birds have a skin that ranges
from cream, pink and yellow. The skin may change to orange in breeding birds.
These birds reach reproductive maturity when they are about 5 - 6 years old.
The world's oldest Condor died at the ripe, old age of 100 in the Jardin d'Essai
du Hamma in Algiers.
Condors are monogamous and form life-long bonds.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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