Andean Condor
Vultur gryphus
- Length
- 100–130 cm
- Family
- New World Vultures (Cathartidae)
- Order
- Cathartiformes
Overview
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American New World vulture and is 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.
One of two species commonly referred to as condors, it is a large 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 head and neck are nearly featherless, and are a dull red color, which may flush and therefore change color in response to the bird's emotional state.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Diet: Carrion.
How to identify it
- Huge black vulture with a white neck ruff
- Large white panels on the upper wing
- Males have a fleshy comb on the head
Voice
Silent apart from hisses.
Where to see it
- Colca Canyon, Peru
- Torres del Paine, Chile
Destination guides featuring this bird
Range and habitat
Andes and coasts of Colombia to Tierra del Fuego.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Andean condor
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
