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CALIFORNIA CONDOR

DID YOU KNOW?
An adult Condor can display emotions through changing the color of its skin!

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STORY BEHIND THE NAME

The name Condor has its root in one of the Native American languages: the Quechua language word “cuntur” which became condor. The word was originally meant for the South American Andean condor, a different species than the California condor. It is known as the “thunderbird” in Native American culture. Legend has it that the California condor could transfer special powers to humans. For example, making a cloak from its feathers gave the person wearing it the ability to find lost valuables.

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An adult California condor is known for its key identifying features- its naked head that has an orange/reddish color and its unmistakably huge size. Unlike birds of prey such as eagles, condors are scavengers and rely on dead and decaying animals since they lack the strong talons needed to attack living ones. They can be found in the United States and Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT STATUS:
The species is currently listed as critically endangered.

 

CHALLENGES:

A major threat to its survival is lead poisoning through accidental ingestion of lead from spent ammunition. There was a time in 1982, where its population was so low (only 22 remained!) that they were taken into captive breeding to prevent complete extinction. This led to their temporary extinction in the wild, however reintroduction efforts have been succesful for these captive bred birds.

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While the California Condor historically ranged from British Columbia (Canada) to Baja California (Mexico), they are currently found only in areas of California, Utah, Arizona and Baja Mexico - which is where these birds have been released. The good news is that even with only a few hundred individuals in the wild, the IUCN reports that its population is on the rise.  

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Amazing wingspan of the California Condor!

OUR ALLY FOR PROTECTING THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR

SUCCESS STORY

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Ventana Wildlife Society
Founded in 1977, Ventana Wildlife Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to conserving native wildlife and their habitats through science, education and collaboration. They have successfully recovered a breeding population of Bald Eagles in central California and are in the process of doing the same for California Condors. They manage the central California Condor population (in partnership with National Park Service), lead amazing outdoor education opportunities for youth in underserved communities, and provide valuable ecological services in a variety of habitats.

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HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN PROTECTING THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR

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Our allies at Ventana Wildlife Society say that these actions can help out the California Condor

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  • Attend events and volunteer with them for Adopt-a-Highway micro trash pick ups.

  • Sign up for a condor tour on your next visit to Big Sur.

  • Report sightings to Ventana Wildlife Society when visiting the Big Sur area.

  • Watch wild Condors at the VWS Condor Sanctuary on their condorcam.

  • Adopt-a-Condor, purchase merchandise, and donate to VWS here.

  • If you operate a ranch or hunt please use non-lead ammunition.

 

You can read more about the California Condor’s critical state pre-conservation efforts here.

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Sources

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