Appearance
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 on the primary and secondary wing feathers. The head and neck are bare with reddish or yellowish skin. The beak is hooked and black, and the eyes are dark brown.
Habitat
It inhabits open grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and mountains at elevations from sea level to 5,000 m, most commonly between 3,000 and 4,000 m.
Diet
The Andean condor is a scavenger that feeds primarily on carrion, such as dead livestock and wild animals. It also eats eggs and small mammals.
Reproduction
It reaches sexual maturity at around 6 years and mates for life. Pairs nest on cliffs or in caves, laying one egg every two or three years. Incubation lasts about 56 days, and chicks fledge at around 6 months. They can live up to 70 years in the wild.
Conservation Status
The Andean condor is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. It is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning.