California Condor
Image: amanda kaufman (cc-by-nc)
NameCalifornia Condor
Common NameCalifornia Condor
Scientific NameGymnogyps californianus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)290
Length (cm)125
Weight (g)10500
Plumage DetailsAdults are predominantly black with large white triangular patches on the underside of the wings, visible in flight. The head and neck are featherless, typically yellowish-orange to reddish in adults, while juveniles have dark gray heads and mottled plumage.
Vocalization / CallCalifornia Condors are largely silent, lacking a syrinx. They communicate through hisses, grunts, and snorts, particularly when interacting at a carcass or nest site.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountains, canyons, chaparral, oak woodlands, coastal cliffs, grasslands
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically ranged across much of western North America. Current wild populations are found in central and southern California, northern Arizona, southern Utah, and Baja California, Mexico, as a result of intensive reintroduction programs.
Identifying Featuresmassive size, bald head (yellow-orange/red in adults, dark in juveniles), white triangular patches on underwing (adults), long, broad wings, soaring flight, finger-like primary feathers, dark overall plumage
Description
The California Condor is North America's largest land bird, a massive dark-plumaged vulture known for its impressive wingspan and soaring flight. It possesses a bald head that changes color with age and emotion, and it feeds exclusively on carrion.
