California Condor
NameCalifornia Condor
Common NameCalifornia Condor
Scientific NameGymnogyps californianus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)277
Length (cm)117
Weight (g)9000
Plumage DetailsAdults are primarily black with large white triangular patches on the underside of their wings, visible during flight. The head and neck are featherless, displaying skin that ranges from yellowish to reddish-orange, often blushing brighter red when excited. Juveniles have a darker, grayish head.
Vocalization / CallCalifornia Condors are generally silent, but can produce a variety of hisses, grunts, and snorts, particularly when interacting with other condors or at a carcass.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountains, canyons, open grasslands, oak savannas, coniferous forests
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically, California Condors ranged across much of North America. Today, wild populations are restricted to parts of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico, as a result of intensive reintroduction programs.
Identifying Featuresmassive size and wingspan, bald, reddish-orange head and neck (adults), black plumage with white underwing patches (adults), often bears numbered wing tags in reintroduced populations
Description
The California Condor is North America's largest land bird, characterized by its immense wingspan and soaring flight. Adults have a distinctive bald, reddish-orange head and neck, contrasting with their otherwise black plumage. They are obligate scavengers, feeding exclusively on carrion.
