Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in flight.
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, a high-soaring scavenger of South America. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It rides mountain updrafts over the Andes and adjacent coasts, feeding mainly on carrion.
Range & habitat
The Andes and adjacent Pacific coasts of South America, from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Poisoning, often secondary from baited carcasses
- Persecution
- Collisions and reduced food availability
Why it matters
As a scavenger, the condor helps recycle nutrients across vast Andean landscapes, and it is a cultural icon across the region.
Gallery
A male Andean condor.
Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources
Sources for Andean Condor
- IUCN Red List — look up Andean Condor (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Andean condor Vulnerable?
How large is the Andean condor?
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