Find out about the California Condor in the Aviary at Animals n More.

The California Condor plush birds shown above are a Wild Republic Cuddlekins Condor and a Conservation Critters Condor. Check out Jeannie's Cottage LLC for these California Condor toys.

Of all the birds of prey in North America, the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the largest with a wingspan of more than 9 feet. They may weigh up to 25 pounds. This 50-inch-long bird is black with a bald pinkish head and white wing linings (noticeable only in flight).

In the wild they lay 1 white egg every other year, usually in an inaccessible area on a cliffside cleft or cave. They prefer mountainous areas with nearby open brush country. The fledgling remains dependent upon its parents through the next breeding season. If a Condor pair lose an egg, they will lay a second or even a third one. Condors do not reach the age of breeding maturity until they are about 7 years old.

Soaring on warm thermal updrafts, they can reach altitudes of 15,000 feet and stay aloft for hours, reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour.

These birds are carrion feeders and prefer large dead animals but will also feed on smaller dead mammals, such as rodents.

These birds are found in the mountains north of Los Angeles, California. They are extremely rare and very endangered. A breeding program was started and the first chick was hatched in captivity in 1983. To date, California condors have been reintroduced to the wild but the mortality rate was very high. Today there are 518 condors in existence, with 300 in the wild. They are kept at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho.

Class: Aves | Order: Cathartiformes | Family: Cathartidae | Genus: Gymnogyps | Species: G. californianus