California Condor

Photo: NPS

It’s hard to miss a California condor, which, with a wingspan of about 9.5 feet and weighing about 25 pounds, is the largest flying bird in North America.

In February 1806, William Clark wrote, “Shannon an Labiesh brought in to us to day a Buzzard or Vulture of the Columbia which they had wounded and taken alive. I believe this to be the largest Bird of North America. it was not in good order and yet it wayed 25 lbs…” After a lengthy description, he drew a sketch of the bird’s head.

Small areas in California, Utah, Arizona, and Baja Mexico are the home to the endangered California Condors found in the wild. These incredible birds have lots of amazing adaptations that help them find their favorite food—dead animals! They will often soar more than 150 miles per day searching for a meal, while barely flapping their wings.

Unlike their cousin the Turkey Vulture, condors rely on their excellent eyesight to find food. A hooked beak helps them tear into carcasses, making quick work of their meal.

The California Condor remains on the critically endangered list with approximately 520 birds in both the wild and in captivity.