The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

CONDOR

The condor (Sarcorhamphus gryphus) is the largest of the vultures. It is found in South America, principally in the Andes. One of the largest of the Vulturidas or vulturine birds, in its essential features it resembles the common vultures, differing from them mainly in the large cartilaginous caruncle which surmounts its beak, and in the large size of its oval and longitudinal nostrils placed almost at the extremity of the cere. It is mainly black in colour with some grey on the wings and a collar of white down on the neck. The wingspan is roughly three metres. Condors are found in greatest numbers in the Andes chain, frequenting regions from 10,000 to 15,000 feet above the level of the sea, where they breed, depositing their two white eggs on the bare rock. They are generally to be seen in groups of three or four, and only descend to the plains under stress of hunger, when they will successfully attack sheep, goats, deer, and bullocks. They prefer carrion, however, and, when they have opportunity, gorge themselves until they become incapable of rising from the ground, and so become a prey to the Indians.
Research Condor