kuntur

Kuntur is the Quechua word for the condor, a large New World vulture. The term is widely used in Andean regions and has been adopted into Spanish-language place names, folklore, and historical references. In many Andean languages kuntur is a central cultural symbol as well as a descriptive name for the bird.

In Quechua, kuntur refers specifically to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). The bird figures prominently in myths and iconography, often associated with the upper world and with power. A common toponymic element is found in locations such as Kuntur Wasi, a significant archaeological site in Peru whose name translates as "Condor House."

Biology and distribution: The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds, with a wingspan that can exceed three meters. It is a scavenger adapted to high elevations and is found along the Andes—from Colombia to northern Chile and western Argentina—typically at elevations above 3,000 meters. Its diet consists mainly of carrion, and it relies on expansive open habitats for soaring.

Conservation: The Andean condor is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with threats including habitat loss, poisoning from livestock carcasses, and secondary poisoning. Conservation efforts in several Andean countries focus on habitat protection, monitoring populations, and reducing lethal threats through regional cooperation and wildlife- management programs.