Andean Condor
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Michael_G%C3%A4bler" title="User:Michael Gäbler">Michael Gäbler</a> (CC BY 3.0)
NameAndean Condor
Common NameAndean Condor
Scientific NameVultur gryphus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)115
Weight (g)11000
Plumage DetailsAdults have glossy black body plumage with a prominent white ruff of downy feathers at the base of the neck. The head and neck are largely featherless and reddish-pink, often changing color with the bird's emotional state. Males possess a large, dark red comb (caruncle) on the crown and a wattle on the neck, which are absent in females.
Vocalization / CallAndean Condors are generally silent, lacking a syrinx. They communicate primarily through body language but can produce hissing, grunting, and snorting sounds, especially when interacting at a carcass or during courtship displays.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountainous regions, grasslands, open areas, coastal cliffs
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes mountains of South America, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Identifying Featuresextremely large size, bare reddish-pink head and neck, prominent white ruff around the neck, black body plumage with white patches on upperwing coverts (visible in flight), male has a distinctive comb and wattle on the head
Description
The Andean Condor is a massive New World vulture, renowned for its impressive wingspan and soaring flight. It features a bare head and neck, a distinctive white ruff, and primarily black plumage, often seen gliding effortlessly over mountainous terrain.
