California Condor
NameCalifornia Condor
Common NameCalifornia Condor
Scientific NameGymnogyps californianus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)277
Length (cm)117
Weight (g)9000
Plumage DetailsAdults have mostly black plumage with white triangular patches under the wings, visible in flight. The head and neck are largely featherless, with skin color varying from yellowish-orange to pinkish-red in adults, and darker in juveniles.
Vocalization / CallCondors are generally silent, lacking a syrinx. They communicate through hisses, grunts, and snorts, especially around carcasses or during social interactions.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountains, canyons, open grasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically ranged across much of North America. Currently, wild populations are found in parts of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico, as a result of reintroduction programs.
Identifying Featuresmassive size, bald head and neck (pinkish-red to orange in adults), black body plumage, white triangular patches under wings (visible in flight), large, hooked beak, often seen soaring at high altitudes
Description
The California Condor is North America's largest land bird, characterized by its massive size, black plumage, and a distinctive bald head and neck that changes color with age and emotion. These majestic scavengers are known for their soaring flight and critical role in ecosystem health.
