Andean Condor
NameAndean Condor
Common NameAndean Condor
Scientific NameVultur gryphus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)310
Length (cm)115
Weight (g)11300
Plumage DetailsAdults have mostly black plumage with a distinctive white ruff of feathers at the base of the neck. The large wings feature white patches on the secondary flight feathers, particularly noticeable in flight. The head and neck are featherless and typically reddish-pink.
Vocalization / CallAndean Condors are generally silent, but can produce hissing and grunting sounds, especially when disturbed or interacting at a carcass.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland, 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 FeaturesEnormous size, Black body plumage, White neck ruff, Bald, reddish head and neck, White patches on wings (especially secondary flight feathers)
Description
The Andean Condor is a magnificent New World vulture, renowned for its immense size and impressive wingspan, making it one of the world's largest flying birds. It is primarily a scavenger, soaring effortlessly on thermal currents over mountainous terrain in search of carrion.
