California Condor Identification Bird Watcher's Digest

California Condor Identification  Bird Watcher's Digest

The California condor is the largest land bird in North America. The wings are exceptionally long and broad, with long primary feathers giving the appearance of fingertips. In flight, the body is noticeably massive, the head appears small, and the tail is short and broad.

Relative size

Larger than a bald eagle. It is the largest bird in North America.

Relative size or larger goose

The size of a goose or larger

Measurements

Both sexes

Length: 46.1-52.8 inches (117-134 cm)

Weight: 246.9-349.2 ounces (7000-9900 g)

Wingspan: 109.1 inches (277 cm)

California Condor

colour pattern

Adults are black with dazzling white spots under the wing. The naked head and neck are yellowish orange. The birds have dark heads, grey necks and mottled grey spots instead of pale white spots under the wings. Adult coloration is about 6-8 years.

California Condor

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Condors are skilful gliders that rarely flap their wings. They look solid and heavy in the air and are not buffeted by the wind like small gliding birds. Condors are social birds that form groups around carcasses, in swimming areas and on roosts.

home

California condors feed on carrion in habitats ranging from Pacific beaches to mountain forests and grasslands. They nest in caves on mountain slopes up to 6000 feet high. Their size makes it difficult to take off, forcing them to use high perches to facilitate takeoff.