(Description and from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a species of South American bird in the New
World vulture family Cathartidae and is the only member of the genus Vultur. Found in
the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, it is the
largest flying land bird in the Western Hemisphere.
It has a large ruff of white feathers surrounding the base of the neck and, especially in
males, large white patches on the wings. The head and neck are nearly featherless,
and are a dull red color and can become flush in response to its emotional state. The
male also has a wattle on its neck and a large, dark red comb on its crown. Unlike
most birds of prey, the male is larger than the female.
The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion. It prefers large carcasses,
such as those of deer or cattle. It reaches sexual maturity at five or six years of age
and roosts at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 m (10,000 to 16,000 ft), generally on
inaccessible rock ledges. One or two eggs are usually laid. It is one of the world’s
longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.
The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, and Peru, and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the
South American Andean regions. The Andean Condor is considered near threatened
by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and secondary
poisoning from carcasses killed by hunters. Captive breeding programs have been
instituted in several countries.
The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a species of South American bird in the New
World vulture family Cathartidae and is the only member of the genus Vultur. Found in
the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, it is the
largest flying land bird in the Western Hemisphere.
It has a large ruff of white feathers surrounding the base of the neck and, especially in
males, large white patches on the wings. The head and neck are nearly featherless,
and are a dull red color and can become flush in response to its emotional state. The
male also has a wattle on its neck and a large, dark red comb on its crown. Unlike
most birds of prey, the male is larger than the female.
The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion. It prefers large carcasses,
such as those of deer or cattle. It reaches sexual maturity at five or six years of age
and roosts at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 m (10,000 to 16,000 ft), generally on
inaccessible rock ledges. One or two eggs are usually laid. It is one of the world’s
longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.
The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, and Peru, and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the
South American Andean regions. The Andean Condor is considered near threatened
by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and secondary
poisoning from carcasses killed by hunters. Captive breeding programs have been
instituted in several countries.
(Photo courtesy of Linda Hourie http://www.hourieimages.com)
Photo from Wikipedia
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