Andean condor
Vultur gryphus
At the Zoo
Puente Al Sur exhibit
Fascinating Facts
Andean condors have cultural significance in South America as they were revered by the Incas as the representative of the heavens. World heritage site Machu Picchu contains several references to condors and the layout of the site is said to resemble a condor from above. Andean condors spend their days soaring on thermals, traveling as much as 200 miles per day at high altitudes. Unlike other members of the vulture family, Andean condors rely on sight rather than smell to find food. They will sometimes follower smaller birds, such as turkey vultures, to a food source in a mutually beneficial relationship, as they can use their powerful beaks to tear into the carcass, allowing the smaller birds to feed more easily.
Physical Characteristics
Males are larger than females and have a “caruncle” or crest on the top of their head and a wattle. Juveniles have greyish / brownish feathers while adults have dark feathers with white flight feathers. They have a white ruff of feathers around their neck and a bald head, similar to many other carrion eaters, which is thought to help keep their heads clean. Their bald head can change colors depending on their mood and males will flash a yellow color during courtship. They have a hooked beak which they use to tear into carcasses. They weigh between 17 – 33 pounds, are 3 – 4 feet in length and have a wingspan of up to 10 ½ feet, the largest of any land bird.
Diet
They eat mainly carrion, although they will occasionally eat eggs or prey on wounded animals.
Habitat
As their name suggests, Andean condors are found in the Andes mountains, up to 18,000 feet, as well as coastal ranges, lowland desert and open grasslands.
Social Behavior
Andean condors are monogamous and mate for life. Males will court females and a nesting spot, high on a cliff ledge, is chosen up to two months prior to mating. A single egg is laid on the bare ledge and will be incubated by both parents for 54 – 58 days. Once the chick hatches, it will be 6 – 7 months before it fledges and both parents will continue to care for it. The chick will stay with the parents for two years, after which they will mate again. Sexual maturity is reached between 6 – 11 years.
Status In The Wild
They are found in western South America all the way south to Tierra del Fuego, including parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
Other
Andean condors are threatened due to habitat loss, from ingesting carrion contaminated with lead shot, and from being hunted by farmers and ranchers who consider them to be pest animals. They also have a slow reproductive rate and mate for life – if a mate is killed, a reproducing pair is eliminated.