Andean condor
One of the largest flying birds and a national symbol of five Andean nations.
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American New World vulture and the only extant member of the genus Vultur. It is found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America. With a maximum wingspan of 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in) and weight of 15 kg (33 lb), the Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, and is generally considered to be the largest bird of prey in the world. It 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.
- Scientific name
- Vultur gryphus
- Maximum wingspan
- 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)
- Maximum weight
- 15 kg (33 lb)
- Lifespan
- Over 70 years in some cases
- Sexual maturity
- Five or six years of age
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Clutch size
- One or two eggs
Lore & Background
The generic term Vultur is directly taken from the Latin vultur or voltur, which means 'vulture'. Its specific epithet is derived from a variant of the Greek word γρυπός (grupós, 'hook-nosed'). The word condor itself is derived from the Quechua kuntur. The exact taxonomic placement of the Andean condor and the remaining six species of New World vultures remains unclear, with debate over whether they are more closely related to storks or to Old World vultures.
Reader's Guide
The Andean condor is significant as one of the world's largest flying birds and the largest bird of prey, with a maximum wingspan of 3.3 m and weight of 15 kg. It is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, and prefers large carcasses such as those of deer or cattle. It reaches sexual maturity at five or six years of age and nests at elevations up to 5,000 m, generally on inaccessible rock ledges. One or two eggs are usually laid per clutch. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of over 70 years in some cases. The Andean condor is considered vulnerable by the IUCN, threatened by habitat loss and secondary poisoning from lead in carcasses killed by hunters. Captive breeding programs have been instituted in several countries. Its role as a national symbol of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru underscores its cultural importance in Andean folklore and mythology.
Did You Know?
- The Andean condor is the only extant member of the genus Vultur.
- The female condor is smaller than the male, an exception to the usual sexual dimorphism seen in birds of prey.
- The head and neck of the Andean condor are nearly featherless and may flush in response to the bird's emotional state.
- The Andean condor is threatened by secondary poisoning from lead in carcasses killed by hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Andean condor?
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a New World vulture native to South America and the sole surviving species in the genus Vultur. It is widely regarded as the largest bird of prey on Earth.
How large is the Andean condor?
At its maximum, this bird stretches to a wingspan of 3.3 meters (about 10 feet 10 inches) and can weigh up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). These dimensions make it one of the biggest birds still capable of sustained flight.
Where does the Andean condor live?
Its range covers the high Andes mountain ranges and the nearby Pacific coastlines of western South America. It is most commonly associated with the elevated terrain of countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
What is the Andean condor's conservation status and lifespan?
The IUCN classifies the species as Vulnerable, meaning it faces a significant risk of decline in the wild. In the wild, individuals can live past seventy years, and they do not reach sexual maturity until around five or six years old.
Why is the Andean condor culturally important?
It serves as the official national bird symbol of five Andean countries: Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In the folklore and mythology of these regions, the condor carries deep spiritual meaning and is often depicted as a powerful, sacred figure.
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