The Andean condor is a large bird of prey found in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is the largest flying bird in the world by combined length and weight, and has the longest wingspan of any living bird. Males can weigh up to 15 kg (33 lb), with a wingspan of up to 3.3 m (11 ft). Females are generally smaller, weighing up to 12 kg (26 lb) with a wingspan of up to 3.1 m (10 ft).
The Andean condor has a black body, with white tips to the primary and secondary wing feathers. The head and neck are bare and unfeathered, with a reddish or yellowish skin color. The beak is hooked and black, and the eyes are dark brown.
Habitat
The Andean condor inhabits a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and mountains. It is found at elevations from sea level to 5,000 m (16,400 ft), but is most common at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 m (9,800 and 13,000 ft).
Diet
The Andean condor is a scavenger and feeds primarily on carrion, such as dead livestock, wild animals, and birds. It also eats eggs and small mammals. The condor has a keen sense of smell and can locate carrion from a great distance.
Reproduction
The Andean condor reaches sexual maturity at around 6 years of age. It is a monogamous bird and pairs mate for life. Pairs nest on cliffs or in caves, and the female lays one egg every two or three years. The egg is incubated for about 56 days, and the chick is fledged at around 6 months of age. Andean condors can live for up to 70 years in the wild.
Conservation status
The Andean condor is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the condor and its habitat.