Zoology of the ZooPl. CXL
California condor
Gymnogyps californianus
Aves · Cathartiformes · Cathartidae
Fig. 1. California condor
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | About 1.1-1.4 m long; wingspan up to about 3 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 7-14 kg |
| Food | Carrion of large mammals |
| Lifespan | About 60 years (est.) |
| Society | Social; pairs raise one chick every one to two years |
| Habitat | mountain, grassland |
| Range | North America |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
The largest land bird in North America. Only 22 were left in 1982; the last wild bird was captured in 1987 and all 27 were bred in zoos (Los Angeles and San Diego). Releases began in 1992. At the end of 2025 there were 607 condors: 392 in the wild and 215 in captivity (USFWS).
Observe: Watch the wing tags: every wild condor carries a numbered tag and often a radio.