Apply Now   Species Profile: Andean Condor  Species Profile:
Andean Condor  (Photo by Jonny Miller: rescued condors to be
released into the wild by Conservacion Patagonica)   By Frances
Iannucci (University of Vermont ’15)    The Andean condor
(Vultur gryphus) is a member of the vulture family. With a
wingspan of up to 3.2 m, it ranks as the fifth largest bird in
the world. Adult condors are predominantly black, with a white
ruff of feathers around the neck and large white patches on
their wings. Their dull red, featherless heads flush in
accordance with their mood, allowing for communication between
individuals. This communication is especially useful, given that
condors lack a larynx and therefore cannot call or sing like
other birds. Males are characterized by a dark red comb, or
caruncle, on top of their heads. However, the adult coloration
does not develop until after their first molting; juveniles have
brown feathers and a blackish head. Condors’ talons are adapted
more for walking than for use as weapo