Have you ever seen a California Condor?

California Condor

Photo: courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

More scientifically known as Gymnogyps californianus, the California condor is a member of the New World vultures family. It was first listed as endangered in the U.S. on March 11, 1967. It is 47" (1.19 m) with a wingspan of 108" (2.74 m) and weighs 17-22 lbs. (7-10 kg). It can live up to 60 years. It eats only carrion, which it finds by sight. Its predators are Golden Eagles and Coyotes. It is the largest bird of prey in North America, though Trumpeter Swans are heavier and American White Pelicans have at least as wide a wingspan and larger bodies. Males and females look the same.

Before the influx of Europeans, the condors ranged from British Columbia to Mexico along the Pacific Coast. By the 20th century, only a few were left in California, Nevada, and northern Mexico, possibly surviving on beached whales, and by 1982 only 22 were left in the wild. Their numbers had declined due to loss of habitat, lead poisoning, pesticides (DDT), shootings and collisions with power lines. Their eggs and feathers and even live birds were also collected. Controversially, in 1987 the remaining few were captured by the Peregrine Fund at the behest of the Dept. of the Interior, and they have been bred in captivity since 1987.

If all goes well, one egg is laid every other year. Condors leave the nest at 6 months but will be dependent on their parents for over a year. The first captive bred young condors were released singly in California in 1992. Without parental guidance they struggled to survive, but with the help of further releases in California and Northern Arizona their numbers are climbing. Released birds are tracked and studied extensively. California Condors in the wild all have two-digit number tags on their wings. There should be sufficient habitat for a sustainable population. It is possible that genetic problems may materialize due to the low numbers in the original captive gene pool.

California Condors are still listed as endangered and should be left well alone. They may eat only once every several days, but can eat up to 4lbs of carrion at a time.

Endangered Condors Soar Over Grand Canyon

Condor numbers in the Grand Canyon are increasing with the introduction of captive-bred fledglings. It is hoped that the population will soon be self-sustaining. The birds take an interest in the tourists.

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