- Vultur gryphus
Identification
Adult length of 100–130 cm (39¼-51¼ in)
Unmistakable - the world's largest flying bird. The male is larger than the female, unlike most raptors.
- A black vulture with a ruff of white feathers surrounding the base of the neck and, especially in the male, large white patches on the wings.
- The dull red head and neck are nearly featherless, which may flush and therefore change color according to the bird's emotional state.
The male, has a wattle on the neck and a large, dark red comb or caruncle on the crown.
Juveniles lack the distinctive white markings on neck and wings, and are instead overall grayish-brown, with blackish head and neck skin.
Distribution
South America: The Andes and coasts of Colombia to Tierra del Fuego.
Populations declining over the entire range, which historically included all the countries on the west coast of the continent.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Mostly now limited to high elevations. Open grasslands, paramo regions.
Behaviour
Flight Action
Soars on flat out-stretched wings; not often seen perched.
Diet
Their diet consists mostly of carrion and medium sized mammals.
Breeding
There is little information available. The nest in shallow cliff caves.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Visual dictionary
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Andean Condor. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 25 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Andean_Condor
