California Condor
NameCalifornia Condor
Common NameCalifornia Condor
Scientific NameGymnogyps californianus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)290
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)9000
Plumage DetailsAdults have mostly black plumage with large triangular white patches on the underside of the wings, visible in flight. The head and neck are largely featherless, displaying shades of orange, pink, and yellow, which vary with age and emotional state. Juveniles have darker heads and mottled underwings.
Vocalization / CallCalifornia Condors are generally silent, lacking a syrinx. They communicate primarily through hisses, grunts, and snorts, especially when interacting at a carcass or nest site.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountainous regions, rocky cliffs, canyons, open grasslands, coniferous forests
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically ranged across much of North America, but now restricted to reintroduction sites in California (central and southern), Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico.
Identifying Featuresmassive size, bare, colorful head and neck, large white triangular patches on underwings (adults), black body plumage, long, broad wings for soaring, flight tags/wing tags (for reintroduced individuals)
Description
The California Condor is North America's largest land bird, a majestic scavenger known for its impressive wingspan and soaring flight. It has a distinctive bare head and neck, which changes color with age and emotion, and plays a crucial role in ecosystem clean-up.
