The endangered California Condor is an extremely large vulture restricted to a small range in the mountains of southern California. It is one of the rarest birds in the world and may be extirpated in the wild in North America. It feeds entirely on carrion and because of its size it has been mistaken for a small airplane! Its plumage is dark brown overall. In flight a distinctive, large, white triangular patch is visible under each wing. Its head and upper neck is featherless, and is yellow-orange to orange-red colored. A ruff of dark feathers forms a collar around its lower neck. In flight, the head appears relatively small. It is usually seen soaring in slow circles or perched in tall snags. When at rest, its folded wings extend to the tip of the tail or beyond. Sexes are alike in appearance and size.
There is presently an on-going program by state and federal governments in the United States to re-introduce the California Condor into parts of southern California and Arizona.
SIZE
The California Condor is the largest raptor in North America. With the exception of the Trumpeter Swan, which is heavier, it is our largest bird. Males and females are similar in size. Lengths average 46 inches (117 centimeters). Wingspans average 9 feet (2.8 meters). Weights average 23 pounds (10.5 kilograms). Large individuals can attain wingspans of 10 feet (3 meters) and weigh 31 pounds (14 kilograms).
MORPHS
Once attaining adult plumage there is little individual variation in plumage.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
Adult - Flight
- large, broad wings
- large, elongated white triangular patch under wings
- does not rock or tilt back and forth in flight
- does not show strong dihedral wing position of the Turkey Vulture; flatter profile.
- short, black, square tail
Immature - Flight
- triangular underwing patches are dusky and primaries have a light trailing edge; generally more mottled appearance
- tail sometimes appears wedge-shaped
SIMILAR SPECIES
The California Condor could be confused with the other North American vultures, namely the Turkey and Black Vulture, or with Golden and Bald Eagles. Its very large size, however, should leave little doubt about its identification. Turkey and Black Vultures do not have white on the underwing. Immature Golden and Bald Eagles have white patches on the underwing, but also on the tail, which condors do not. Condors soar in larger and slower circles than other raptors. One circle averages about 16 to 17 seconds to complete.
OTHER NAMES
None.
ETYMOLOGY
The Genus Gymnogyps translates into "naked vulture" which no doubt refers to its featherless head. The species name californianus refers to the range of the condor.
MYTHOLOGY
The California Condor was used in religious-ceremonial activities by Indians in California. Some California native peoples captured condors for use in ceremonies where they were killed. Some native societies impersonated the California Condor in dances. To others the condor represented a person who transformed into a bird. Several cultures even considered the California Condor as a totem, a respect for its supernatural powers. Condor feather quills were also used occasionally by California goldminers as containers for gold dust.
