# Andean Condor (*Vultur gryphus*)

> The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a giant New World vulture of cliffs and open grasslands from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego. Males sport a fleshy comb and white neck ruff; adults weigh around 12 kg and soar on Andean thermals scavenging carrion. IUCN lists the species Vulnerable.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Vulnerable
- **Range:** Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/andean-condor/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Cathartiformes
- **Family:** Cathartidae
- **Genus:** Vultur

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Vultur gryphus |
| Diet | Carnivore (carrion) |
| Habitat | High Andes, cliffs, and open grasslands |
| Lifespan | Around 50 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 12 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 80 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (IUCN) |

## Largest soaring bird of the Andes

Wingspans approach 3 m. Males have a comb and wattle; females lack the comb. Like California condors, they have bare heads suited to carcass feeding.

## High-country scavenger

Diet is carrion of guanacos, livestock, and marine mammals along coasts. They locate carcasses while soaring and may wait for mammalian scavengers to open tough hides.

## Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego

High Andes, cliffs, and open grasslands along the spine of South America from Venezuela south to Tierra del Fuego. Across its range it is tied to high andes, cliffs, and open grasslands, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Vulnerable cultural icon

Persecution as suspected livestock killers, secondary poisoning, and reduced wild ungulate carcasses contribute to Vulnerable status. Cultural reverence coexists with local conflict.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do you tell male and female Andean condors apart?

Males have a fleshy comb on the head and tend to be larger; females lack the comb.

### What do Andean condors eat?

Carrion — dead guanacos, livestock, and other mammals — not live prey they kill themselves.

### Are Andean condors Endangered?

IUCN lists them Vulnerable, with steeper declines in northern parts of the range.

### How long do Andean condors live?

They are long-lived; decades are typical, and captive birds may approach 50 years or more.

### Where do Andean condors live?

Along the Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego on cliffs and open high grasslands.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/andean-condor/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.