![]() ![]() ![]() However, due the endangered status of the condor, as well as animal rights issues, those practices are discouraged and are becoming much less prevalent. Condor remains are ocassionally used in traditional native medicine, and at some remote locations captive condors are used in native religious ceremonies. In Andean religious mythology, condors were considered a symbol of power, the rulers of the upper world, and intermediaries with the world of spirits and with Inti, the sun deity.Īs such, condors represent the upper layer of the chakana, the symbolic Andean cross. Such a large, distinctive bird as the Andean condor naturally became a spiritual and religious symbol since the earliest inhabitants, who as far back as 4,000 years ago represented condors in their paintings and ceramics. But condors also range to the coastal deserts and beaches of the Peruvian coast, where marine mammal and bird carcasses provide them with plenty of food. They might nest on high cliffs, and are often seen soaring above Peru’s deep canyons, such as the Colca Canyon, and around the mountain ranges of the Cusco region. Natural habitatĬondor habitat is usually open high mountains up to 5,000 ft. Occasionally, they might hunt for small animals such as rodents and rabbits. Like vultures, condors are mainly scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of both wild and domesticated animals. The young begin to fly at six months, and they remain with the parents for up to two years. Condors in captivity have lived to over 70 years. However, they are peaceful, highly intelligent creatures that are harmless to humans and most other animals.Ĭondors are also one of the longest-lived bird species. ![]() Their huge beaks and large talons, and the male’s reddish crown, are certainly impressive features that give them a somewhat fearsome appearance. They are mostly black, with a ring of white feathers around their neck. Seeing a condor spread its wings and take flight, one can easily imagine giant prehistoric pterodactyls (although condors are, of course, much smaller). Scientists believe birds are descended from dinosaurs, and the condor certainly looks the part. Unlike many other bird of prey, the females are smaller than the males.Ĭondor size is impressive, but it is not their only unique characteristic. (3.3 m.), and the maximum weight of males can be up to 33 lb., or 15 kilograms. The Andean condor’s maximum wingspan has been measured up to 10 ft. The Andean condorĬontrary to popular belief, the Andean condor ( Vultur gryphus) is not closely related to vulture species, but it is the only species of its own genus. But combining weight and wingspan, the world’s largest bird is the Andean condor, a huge majestic creature that inhabits the Andes Mountains, from Colombia south to Chile and Argentina. Some of the world’s largest birds (in wingspan) include pelican and albatross species. Certainly, Peru’s Andes are a birdwatchers paradise! Andean birds are no exception, with such impressive species as the giant hummingbird ( Patagona gigas), numerous raptor species such as the black-chested turkey buzzard, and many other birds, including ducks, ibis, songbirds, and many more. Birds are some of the most beautiful and strange animals in the world.
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