Andean Condor
Image: pablo_zamora (cc-by-nc)
NameAndean Condor
Common NameAndean Condor
Scientific NameVultur gryphus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)300
Length (cm)115
Weight (g)11000
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly black with a distinctive white ruff of downy feathers at the base of the neck. Large white patches are visible on the upper side of the wings, especially on the secondary coverts, contrasting with the black flight feathers. The head and neck are largely featherless and reddish-pink, with males possessing a prominent dark red comb and wattle.
Vocalization / CallAndean Condors are generally silent, lacking a syrinx. They may produce hisses, grunts, and clucking sounds, particularly when interacting with other condors at a carcass or during courtship displays.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountains, grassland, alpine, open country
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound along the Andes Mountains of South America, from Venezuela and Colombia south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Identifying Featuresextremely large size, broad wings with 'fingered' primaries, white neck ruff, white wing patches (especially on secondary coverts), bald reddish head and neck, soaring flight pattern
Description
The Andean Condor is a magnificent New World vulture, renowned for its immense size and impressive soaring capabilities. It is one of the world's largest flying birds, spending much of its day gliding effortlessly on thermal currents high above the Andean peaks in search of carrion.
