Features
The California Condor
In a world in which thousands of animal species are threatened or endangered, the success story of the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is an inspiration to conservationists and wildlife lovers. Snatched from the very brink of extinction through the efforts of organizations using captive breeding programs, the California condor—one of just two condor species in the world—is today making its home in the wild once again.
Both species of condor—the California condor and the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)—are large New World vultures, two of the world’s largest flying birds. The adult California condor has a wingspan of up to 2.9 metres (9.5 feet). From beak to tail, the body is about 1.2 metres (4 feet) long. Both sexes of California condors may reach 11 kg (24 pounds) in weight.
Adult California condors are mostly black, with bold white wing linings and bare red-to-orange head, neck, and crop. Young birds have dark heads that gradually become red as they near adulthood at about six years of age. They forage in open country and feed exclusively on carrion. California condors nest in cliffs, under large rocks, or in other natural cavities, including holes in redwood trees. They generally breed every other year, laying a single unmarked greenish white egg measuring about 11 cm (4 inches) long.
The California condor is critically endangered. By 1982 only 20 remained in the wild, and efforts were made to establish a captive breeding flock in zoos. However, excessive mortality from lead poisoning and shooting continued to reduce the wild population, and in 1987 the last free-flying survivor was trapped and taken into protective captivity. The first successful captive breeding occurred in 1988, and numerous captive progeny were released to the wild beginning in 1992. These conservation efforts enabled the total California condor population to surpass 280, including more than 130 birds reintroduced to the wild. Wild California condors live in Arizona, California, and Baja California, and captive birds in Idaho, California, and Oregon. In 2002 the first eggs to be laid in the wild by captive-raised condors hatched.
Image Credit: California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). John Borneman—The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers.
To Learn More:
- Encyclopædia Britannica’s article on condors
- National Audubon Society page on condors
- BirdLife International species factsheet
- Latest news on the California condor from the Peregrine Fund
- Information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
How Can I Help?
Read more here about the Endangered Species Act and how to take action on legislation supporting it.
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