Vultur gryphus is the scientific name for Andean Condor. The Andean Condor is a South American bird. These Condors are usually black. Vultures keep their eyes peeled for prey. Andean Condors also have a wingspan up to 3.2m/10.5 ft.

 

The Andean Condor is a large bird. It has a wingspan up to 270 to 320cm (8ft or 10ft). It is also quite heavy in weight. It weighs up to 33 pounds/ 15 kilograms. These condors are manly black. But males have a white collar around their necks, as well as some white markings on their wings. These birds also have bald heads. While the talons of all the toes are comparatively straight and blunt, the middle toe is elongated and the hinder on is slightly developed. The feet are more adapted to walking. Also males have dark eyes and a fleshy crest on their heads. Females have bright red eyes and lack the crest. As an adaptation for hygiene the condors head and neck have few feathers, which exposes the skin to the sterilizing effects of dehydration and solar ultraviolet light at high altitudes.

 

Andean condors are found in mountainous ranges. These birds like to live in windy areas where they can glide on air with such little effort. These birds also like to live near the coasts with ocean breezes and even deserts that have strong thermal air currents. It also prefers open areas, non forested areas, so it can spot its carrion easily. Its population has been greatly reduced due to human activity. Therefore the population is decreasing. Its population is estimated to number at least 10,000 individuals.

 

The Andean Condor is a scavenger because it feeds on carrion. They often travel more than 120 miles a day searching for carrion. In inland areas they prefer large carcasses. However most inland condors now live off of domestic animals. They usually kill by jabbing repeatedly with their bill. They locate carrion by spotting it or by following other scavengers. Andean condors often go a few days without eating. Then they end up gorging themselves on several pounds. Sometimes they eat so much they're unable to lift off the ground. it must feed on the ground because its feet and talons are not adapted to grasping. It plays an important role in its ecosystem by disposing of carrion which would otherwise be a breeding ground for diseases. Vultures do not get eaten that often because of how large they are.

 

Therefore Vultur gryphus is a bird that doesn't need that much protection. So next time you go to a mountainous area look for these 33 pound, 10 ft in wingspan, and 6ft tall birds. They’ll be swooping down on some carrion. Lastly is an interesting fact! The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

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Author: Alexia O 

Published: 2/2014

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Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vultur_gryphushttp://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/andean-condor/

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3822

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Photo Credit: Emilio de Prado