California Condor
Gymnogyps californianus
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The California condor is a New World vulture and the largest North American land bird. It became extinct in the wild in 1987 when all remaining wild individuals were captured, but has since been reintroduced to northern Arizona and southern Utah, the coastal mountains of California, and northern Baja California in Mexico. It is the only surviving member of the genus Gymnogyps, although four extinct members of the genus are also known.
The species is listed by IUCN as critically endangered, and similarly considered Critically Imperiled by NatureServe.
The California Condor faces severe threats from lead poisoning when scavenging carcasses shot with lead ammunition, which remains the primary cause of mortality in wild populations. Microtrash ingestion, particularly bottle caps and plastic fragments mistaken for bone chips, causes fatal intestinal blockages. Power line collisions and electrocutions pose significant risks to these large soaring birds, while habitat loss from urban development continues to fragment their remaining range.
Habitat
California Condors inhabit mountainous regions, coastal ranges, and oak savannas across California and adjacent areas of Arizona and Utah. They require large territories with suitable roosting sites on cliffs or tall trees, open areas for foraging on carrion, and minimal human disturbance.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in CATHARTIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is California Condor classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does California Condor live?
What are the main threats to California Condor?
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