Description 45-55" (1.1-1.4 m). W. 8' 6"-9' 6" (2.6-2.9 m). Largest bird of prey in North America. Black with bare head (reddish orange in adults, blackish in young), black ruff, conspicuous white wing linings, and pale feet.

Endangered Status The California Condor is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in California. This huge carrion-feeder has been declining since prehistoric times, probably because herds of large mammals became scarce in North America. By the 20th century its range had shrunk to a small area in the mountains north of Los Angeles. In the 1980s researchers discovered that some of the few surviving birds were dying of lead poisoning (contracted by consumption of animals killed with lead shot), and so all the remaining wild birds--five in number--were trapped and placed in zoos. Young birds have been reared in captivity, and reintroductions are being attempted, but it remains to be seen whether the effort to save the species from extinction will succeed. Approximately 50 captive-bred birds released in California and Arizona currently survive, but no California Condors are breeding in the wild. The "wild" condors undergo careful monitoring. Early released birds were killed by flying into power lines, so now the birds undergo a power-line aversion program. In 2000-2001 four birds died of lead poisoning and another dozen were treated for lead in their systems. Apparently the consumption of flesh contaminated by lead bullets is an ongoing problem, and the future of this species remains quite precarious.

Voice Usually silent.

Habitat Mountains and surrounding open, sparsely covered brush country where it can easily detect and safely approach carrion.

Nesting 1 white egg placed in an inaccessible cave or cavity on a cliff.

Range Introduced in western Monterey County, eastern San Luis Obispo County, and eastern Santa Barbara County in California, and near the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Discussion The California Condor can be instantly identified based on size alone: its wingspan is twice that of the Turkey Vulture. Condors were once seen soaring around mountain and ridgetops or coasting high over interevening valleys in the rugged chaparral- and pine-covered mountains in central and southern California. They nested in caves or on rocky cliff ledges, and very rarely in large hollow trees. California Condors take five to seven years to reach breeding age, and in the wild females lay only a single egg every other year. The young condor is cared for by its parents for nearly a year and a half after hatching. These birds are very sensitive to human disturbance.