condor

Condor refers to two large species of New World vultures: the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). They are among the largest flying birds, with wingspans approaching three meters. Adults are predominantly black with white patches on the wings; their heads are bare and can range in color from pink to gray depending on the species and season. The name condor comes from the Quechua kuntur and was adopted into Spanish.

Both species are scavengers feeding on carrion. They rely on soaring flight and can traverse large distances to locate food. The Andean condor inhabits high montane regions of the Andes from Venezuela to northern Chile, while the California condor once ranged over much of the western United States and Baja California and now persists in selective releases in California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California.

Conservation: The California condor is listed as Critically Endangered, with a long-running captive breeding program and release efforts beginning in the 1980s that have gradually expanded the wild population. The Andean condor is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, facing pressures from habitat loss, poisoning, and diminishing food resources. Condors have also featured prominently in the cultures of the Andean region and are widely regarded as symbols of endurance and scale in some languages and traditions.