Vultur gryphusVultur gryphus
As the sun's first rays slant into the depths of Colca Canyon in southern Peru, Andean condors begin to ascend, riding morning thermals on outstretched wings as they scour the landscape for a meal of carrion. The species is listed by the World Conservation Union as "vulnerable." One of the world's largest flying birds, the condor soars on 3.2 m (10.5 ft) wingspans and can weigh up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion. It prefers large carcasses, such as those of deer or cattle. It reaches sexual maturity at five or six years of age and nests at elevations of up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft), generally on inaccessible rock ledges. One or two eggs are usually laid. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 100 years old in captivity. Today, one of the best places to see the Andean condor is the semi-arid Colca Canyon, a marvel twice as deep as the Grand Canyon located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of Arequipa. Best Viewed Large
Andean Bear mother, Billie Jean, pictured with her female cub.
... with closed eyes.
Endangered | Andean Cats, or Andean Mountain Cats (Leopardus jacobita) are found in the mountains of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. They weigh They range about 25- 35 inches in head to body length and a tail of 16 to 19 inches long. Weight ranges from 10-12 pounds. They have a beautiful silver-grayish fur with darker spots. The fur color tends to lighten as they grow older.
Andean condor sitting and close up posing
Andean Mountain Cat
Huge, wide-ranging vulture of the Andes, but also ranges into lowlands in southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Locally fairly common in Chile and adjacent Argentina, less numerous northward. Mainly seen as singles or pairs, sailing high over ridges, but tens can gather at roosts and to scavenge at carcasses. Size alone is diagnostic, but can be difficult to judge at a distance: note very long “fingers” at wingtips and white collar of adult. Adult also has diagnostic big white panels on upperwing, visible as birds bank. Immatures dark overall, becoming like adult in about 5 years.
Enamel pin depicting an Andean Condor. By Foxfeather Studios.
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The Andean Condor, Vultur gryphus, is a vulture-like bird species found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America. It is the largest flying land bird in the Western Hemisphere and the heaviest member of the order Ciconiiformes. The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, and belongs to the New World vulture family Cathartidae. Although about 5 cm shorter (beak to tail) on average than the California Condor, the Andean Condor is undoubtedly larger in wingspan: 108-122 in (274-310 cm). It is also heavier: up to 24-33 lb (11-15 kg) for males and 16-24 lb (7.5-11 kg) for females. Overall length can range from 46 to 53 inches (117 to 135 cm). Measurements are usually taken from specimens reared in captivity.
Vultur gryphus: A giant South American vulture found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts; the largest flying bird in the world.
Vultur gryphus
Andean Condor 2.60 from 2020 buying, selling or collecting? Manage your Peru collection in the catalogue on LastDodo.
Vultur gryphus, Andean Condor. Huge, wide-ranging vulture of the Andes, but also ranges into lowlands in southern Chile and Tierra del Fuego. Locally fairly common in Chile and adjacent Argentina, less numerous northward. Mainly seen as singles or pairs, sailing high over ridges, but tens can gather at roosts and to scavenge at carcasses. Sexual maturity and breeding behavior do not appear in them until they are five or six years of age. It may live to 50 years or more, and it mates for life.
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Andean condor soaring heights.
© All Rights Reserved - No Usage Allowed in Any Form Without the Written Consent of Connie Lemperle/ lemperleconnie or the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens Link to Cincinnati Zoo.............. Cincinnati Zoo "Link to the Cincinnati Zoo's Flickr photostream". Cincinnati Zoo ***************************************************************************************************************** Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Andean condors are among the largest birds in the world that are able to fly. The condor relies on its huge wings—they have the largest wing area of any bird—and strong winds to stay aloft. While soaring overhead, the condor uses its excellent eyesight to search the land below for carcasses. After eating, the condor rubs its bald head and neck back and forth across the ground to wipe off any messy bits. Riding the winds, the condor only needs to flap its wings about once an hour. High fliers, Andean condors soar at heights up to 18,000 feet. That’s higher than 12 Sears Towers’ stacked on top of one another! Fact File Where to see them: Eagle Eyrie Length: 3.3 to 4.3 ft Weight: 24 to 33 lbs Lifespan: Up to 70 yrs in captivity Wingspan: Up to 10.5 ft Habitat: Desert, mountains, and coasts Diet: Carrion Risk Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Lower risk/near threatened) *************************************************************************************************************************** Have a restful night everyone! Maybe after seeing this picture no one will be able to sleep! LOL! Sorry gang! I'm not trying to disturb your sleep pattern. Sleep well my friends!
Photo taken on the 27th March 2016.
