![]() Ecological nicheĪs carrion-feeders, Andean condors play an important role in their ecosystem by disposing of carrion which would otherwise be a breeding ground for disease. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing. Population numberĪccording to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Andean condor is 10,000 individuals, which equates to 6,700 mature individuals. The Andean Condor, however, wins when it comes to weight (33 pounds) and wingspan (10.5 feet) nearly as long as a compact car. In terms of body length, the California Condor (4.5 feet) slightly nudges out the Andean Condor (four feet). ![]() In some countries of their range, these birds are occasionally shot, but more often revered and used for ceremonial purposes. California and Andean Condors are, respectively, the largest flying birds in North and South America. Because this graceful bird of prey is adapted to very low mortality and has correspondingly low reproductive rates, it is extremely vulnerable to human persecution, mainly because the Andean condor is perceived as a threat by farmers due to alleged attacks on livestock. The main threats to the Andean condor population include loss of habitat needed for foraging, secondary poisoning from animals killed by hunters, and persecution. Reproductive maturity and breeding behavior do not appear in the Andean condor until the bird is 5 or 6 years old. They are able to fly after 6 months but continue to roost and hunt with their parents until age 2 when they are displaced by a new clutch. The young hatch altricial and covered with a grayish down. If the chick or egg is lost or removed, another egg is laid to take its place. In this study, we used high-resolution GPS location data to quantify monthly home range size of the critically endangered California Condor Gymnogyps. The egg hatches after 54 to 58 days of incubation by both parents. ![]() The female deposits 1 or 2 bluish-white eggs during the months of February and March every second year. However, in coastal areas of Peru, where there are few cliffs, some nests are simply partially shaded crannies scraped out against boulders on slopes. Andean condors prefer to nest on inaccessible ledges of rock. Other courtship rituals include hissing and clucking while hopping with wings partially spread, and dancing. He approaches the female with neck outstretched, revealing the inflated neck and the chest patch, while hissing, then extends his wings and stands erect while clicking his tongue. During courtship displays, the skin of the male's neck flushes, changing from dull red to bright yellow, and inflates. Andean condors are monogamous and form pairs that mate for life.
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