California Condor

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) was once found all across North America. That is until the end of the last glacial period which warmed the climate and led to reduction of population and range. In 1987, the last of these birds were taken into captivity and became essentially extinct in the wild. The California Condor has Black plumage with large white spots under each wing. The neck has an inflatable pouch which is used during courtship. Males and females are indistinguishable by color.  These vultures have a massive 10 ft wingspan and have sometimes been mistaken for small planes. California Condors produce small clutches usually only 1 young. However, researchers noted that if the egg is removed from the nest (and fed artificially by a puppet), the parents will produce another egg. Young are covered with a grey down until they are almost as big as their parents.  The California Condor is critically endangered.

 In the 1980's it was extinct in the wild. This species went from a population of 22 to a population of 405 in 2012. The reasons for its critically endangered status are many.... The fact that adult females only lay one egg per season can contribute to population decline; If there aren't as many young being born as there are dying, then the population will decline. Hunting is another reason. They are hunted for museum specimens as they fetch a high price. Also many cattle ranchers have the idea that these birds kill their livestock. When the condor was being reintroduced into some states, the project was met with criticism from many ranchers who think theyh will kill their calves and lambs. This is of course preposterous as vultures are carrion feeders (feeding on dead animals). Another suspected reason is lead poisoning from eating meat contaminated with lead shot. Conservation efforts, though costly, are working. Every year there is increases in the California Condor populations. Hopefully someday we will see thousands of these birds in our sky.
For more information on these majestic birds Visit... Condor Conservation