General

California Condor: Very large raptor with black body, bare-skinned red-orange head, and white wing patches. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has gray-skinned head and dull gray wing patches. Exceptionally rare bird.

Range and Habitat

California Condor: Found in arid foothills and mountain ranges of southern and central California; requires large areas of remote country for foraging, roosting, and nesting. Condors roost on large, old growth trees or snags, or on isolated rocky outcrops and cliffs.

Breeding and Nesting

California Condor: A single pale green or blue egg is laid in a shallow cave or rock crevice; no nesting material is added, but the pair may manipulate rocks and other objects to form a crude nest. Incubation ranges from 54 to 58 days and is carried out by both parents; produces no more than one brood every other year.

Foraging and Feeding

California Condor: Prefers large carcasses, such as deer, cattle, and beached marine mammals, but readily feeds on smaller carrion. Leaves roost to begin foraging late in morning, after strong thermals form, often returning to a known carcass.

Vocalization

California Condor: Emits a combination of hisses, growls, and grunts.

Similar Species

California Condor: Bald Eagle juvenile is noticeably smaller, has brown belly, long tail, and shows long head and neck projection in flight.