Andean Condor

The Andean Condor holds the record for the largest wingspan of any raptor, soaring effortlessly over the high peaks and valleys of the Andes mountains in South America. Its overall black plumage is offset by a distinctive white feather ruff around the base of the neck and, in males, large white patches on the upper surface of the wings.

It is a national symbol in several Andean countries and is often seen riding thermals along mountain ridges and coastal cliffs, sometimes traveling great distances without a single wingbeat.

Its feathers are enormous, among the largest of any bird, and the combination of white neck ruff feathers with solid black body feathers is highly distinctive.

Shape and Size

Flight feathers are extremely long and broad, rivaling or exceeding those of the California Condor in some measurements; the tail feathers are shorter in proportion but still substantial.

Color and Pattern

• Body feathers: solid black
• Neck ruff feathers: white, forming a distinctive downy collar at the base of the neck
• Upperwing covert feathers: white in adult males, forming a large pale patch on the wing (females lack or show much reduced white patches)
• Flight feathers: black
• Shafts: thick and pale

Distinguishing from Similar Species

The white neck ruff feather is essentially unique among South American raptors of this size, and the combination with the enormous flight feather size separates it from vultures such as the King Vulture, whose ruff and body pattern differ.

Adult males are black with a white neck ruff, white upperwing patches, and a fleshy comb on the head; adult females lack the comb and typically show reduced or absent white wing patches. Juveniles are brownish overall, taking several years to reach full black adult plumage.

Molt is slow given the enormous feather size, and full adult plumage is not reached until roughly five to six years of age.

Found along the length of the Andes mountain range in South America, from Venezuela and Colombia south to Tierra del Fuego, favoring high-elevation grasslands, cliffs, and, in some areas, coastal cliffs and desert.

The species is largely resident but can range over huge distances daily while foraging; it is classified as IUCN Vulnerable.

Feeds on carrion, often of large mammals, and can travel long distances at high altitude riding thermals and ridge lift with minimal flapping. Frequently roosts communally on cliff ledges.

Nests on inaccessible cliff ledges rather than building a stick nest, laying a single egg only every other year in many populations. Mostly silent, given the lack of a well-developed voice box in New World vultures.

An immense black feather, especially one paired with white ruff or wing-patch feathers, found in high Andean terrain, is a strong indicator of this species.