Andean Condors
Patagonia, Chile
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American vulture found in the Andes mountains, and along the Pacific coasts of western South America. It is one of the largest flying birds in the world, and is generally considered to be the largest bird of prey in the world. They can attain a maximum wingspan of 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in) and weight of 15 kg (33 lbs). It nests at elevations of up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft), generally on inaccessible rock ledges, and can live up to 70 years.
These condors are large, black vultures, having a ruff of white feathers surrounding the base of the neck. As with many vultures, the head and neck are nearly featherless. Males have a wattled neck and a large, dark red comb (caruncle) on the crown of the head. They are primarily scavengers, inhabiting large territories, and often traveling more than 200 km (120 mi) a day in search of carrion.
The Andean condor is a national symbol of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the Andean regions. The species is considered vulnerable by the IUCN.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
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