Andean Condor
Image: Pedro Szekely (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameAndean Condor
Common NameAndean Condor
Scientific NameVultur gryphus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)300
Length (cm)110
Weight (g)11500
Plumage DetailsAdults are mostly black with a distinctive ruff of white feathers at the base of the neck and large white patches on the wings, particularly on the secondary coverts, visible in flight. The head and neck are largely featherless and reddish, with males possessing a prominent dark red comb (caruncle) on the crown and a wattle on the neck. Juveniles are brownish overall.
Vocalization / CallAndean Condors are generally silent, but can produce hissing, grunting, and clucking sounds, especially during courtship displays or when threatened.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountains, grassland, shrubland, high-altitude deserts
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound along the Andes mountains in South America, from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Its range is fragmented, with strongholds in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Identifying Featuresextremely large size, impressive wingspan (largest flying land bird), black plumage with white neck ruff, white wing patches (especially on secondaries and coverts), bald, reddish head (males have a comb and wattle), soaring flight pattern with primary feathers often splayed
Description
The Andean Condor is a massive New World vulture, renowned for its impressive wingspan and soaring flight. It is primarily a scavenger, often seen gliding effortlessly on thermals over mountainous terrain in the Andes.
