Andean Condor

Mostly black plumage with a distinctive white ruff of feathers surrounding the base of the neck. Males possess a large dark red caruncle (comb) on top of the head and yellowish eyes, while females have reddish-brown eyes and no prominent comb, though they are slightly smaller.

Massive size, white ruff around the base of the neck, broad wings with white patches on the edges in adults, and a bald head.

Length: 100-130 cm (39-51 inches); Wingspan: 270-320 cm (8.8-10.5 feet); Weight: 8-15 kg (17.5-33 lbs).

Generally silent, as they lack a syrinx. Capable of producing low grunts, hisses, and clucking sounds when feeding or nesting.

Scavenger specializing in carrion, preferring large ungulate carcasses such as llamas, guanacos, cattle, and deer.

Open grasslands, alpine areas like the Andes, and coastal windswept regions up to 5,000 meters in elevation.

Resident, though local movements occur seasonally depending on food availability and weather conditions.

Nests on inaccessible ledge cliffs without constructing a physical nest. Lays a single large white egg, incubated by both parents for about 54-58 days.

California Condor, which is restricted to North America and lacks the white neck ruff of the adult Andean Condor.

Acts as an apex scavenger, cleaning up decaying animal carcasses and helping to prevent the spread of disease within its ecosystem.

Vulnerable, with decreasing population trends due to habitat loss, poisoning, and hunting.

Look up along high mountain cliffs, rocky outcrops, and wind-swept gorges in the Andes, especially during mid-day when thermal currents are strongest.

The Andean Condor has one of the largest wingspans of any flying bird and can soar for hours without flapping its wings.