California Condor
NameCalifornia Condor
Common NameCalifornia Condor
Scientific NameGymnogyps californianus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)300
Length (cm)117
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 featherless, with skin color varying from yellowish-orange to reddish, becoming more vibrant when excited. Juveniles have darker heads and mottled underwing patches.
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 Habitatsmountainous regions, canyons, chaparral, oak woodlands, coniferous forests, coastal scrub
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically, California Condors ranged across much of North America. Today, reintroduced populations are found in central and southern California, northern Arizona and southern Utah, and Baja California, Mexico.
Identifying Featuresmassive size and wingspan, bald, colorful head and neck (yellowish-orange to red), large white patches on the underside of the wings, black body plumage, hooked beak, soaring flight pattern
Description
The California Condor is North America's largest land bird, a majestic vulture known for its immense wingspan and soaring flight. It has a distinctive bald head and neck, which changes color with age and emotion, and primarily black plumage with striking white underwing patches.
