Condors are a type of New World vulture, which are part of the family Cathartidae. There are two species of condors: the Andean condor and the California condor. They are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere. Here are some key facts about condors:

Andean Condor

• Has a wingspan of 274–310 cm (9 ft 0 in – 10 ft 2 in) and can weigh between 8-15 kg
• Can travel up to 250 km (160 mi) a day in search of carrion
• Is Chiles national bird and is part of the countrys coat of arms
• Is part of the Inca trilogy, along with the snake and puma
• Can live up to 50 years in the wild

California Condor

• Is the largest flying bird in North America, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet
• Was brought into captivity in 1987 when the last wild bird was captured
• Was nearly extinct due to lead poisoning and illegal egg collection
• Feeds on the carcasses of large mammals, such as cattle and deer

Both species of condors are very large broad-winged soaring birds that are carrion-eaters. They prefer to feed on large carcasses such as deer or cattle, which they spot by looking for other scavengers. They mate for life and may live for 50 years or more.