wandering albatross vs california condor

Is a condor bigger than an albatross?

Condors and albatrosses are two of the largest flying birds in the world. Both are awe-inspiring sea birds that soar on air currents, but which species is actually bigger? In this article, we’ll look at the sizes of different condor and albatross species to see how they compare. Understanding the differences in wingspan and weight between these birds gives us a better appreciation of their adaptations for gliding over oceans to find food. Read on to learn more about the impressively large wingspans of condors versus albatrosses!

Comparing Wingspans

When looking at size, one of the most important measurements is wingspan. The wingspan determines how large of an area the bird’s wings cover in flight.

The two condor species are the Andean condor and the California condor. The Andean condor is found in South America, while the California condor only lives in North America.

The Andean condor has the larger wingspan between the two species. Andean condors have a wingspan ranging from 9.8 to 11.8 feet (3 to 3.6 meters). Their wings are impressively massive when spread wide to ride air currents!

The California condor is smaller with an average wingspan of 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). Still, 9 feet across is an incredible width. With their large wingspans, it’s no wonder these birds can glide such vast distances without flapping their wings.

Albatrosses

There are around 22 species of albatrosses across the Southern Ocean and North Pacific. The albatrosses with the largest wingspans are royal albatrosses and wandering albatrosses.

The royal albatross has a maximum wingspan of about 11.4 feet (3.5 meters). The wandering albatross measures up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) across at its widest.

The most sizable albatrosses have wingspans nearly matching that of the Andean condor. But no albatross species exceeds the Andean condor’s wingspan on average.

Comparing Weights

In addition to wingspan, weight is an important factor in comparing the overall size of condor and albatross species. Heavier birds require more power and wing strength to stay aloft.

The California condor is the larger species when it comes to weight. California condors weigh around 17-25 pounds (8-11 kg).

Meanwhile, Andean condors are smaller in mass at just 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg).

The largest albatross species is the wandering albatross, which can weigh up to 17 pounds (7.8 kg). Other species range from 6-12 pounds on average.

The weights of the largest albatrosses and California condors are quite similar. Both are impressively heavy birds capable of long flights even while carrying substantial body mass.

Comparing Key Size Metrics

To summarize the key size comparisons:

The Andean condor has the largest wingspan on average. The California condor weighs the most on average. No albatross exceeds either condor in those key measurements.

Why Such Large Wings Are Beneficial

Both condors and albatrosses rely on ample wing area to soar long distances over open ocean. Their large wingspans allow them to efficiently ride air currents and updrafts with minimal effort.

The more area a wing has, the more lift it can generate with even subtle air movements. This lets these birds glide extremely long distances without flapping their wings frequently.

Having a heavier body weight also helps birds like the California condor and wandering albatross sink through the air. This allows them to catch more uplift and stay aloft more easily.

Overall, the larger wingspans and weights of condors and albatrosses have evolved naturally to meet the demands of their oceanic lifestyles. Their sizes lend themselves perfectly to exploiting even faint winds and air currents above the sea.

Unique Adaptations for Gliding

In addition to their large wingspans, condors and albatrosses have other anatomical adaptations that improve their soaring:

– Large wing area relative to their body weight – Allows gliding for long periods.

– Long, narrow wings – Provide maximum lift for each flap.

– Hollow, lightweight bones – Reduce weight to help buoyancy and gliding.

– Large breast muscles – Power wing flapping when needed.

– Keen eyesight – Helps locate food sources in the ocean below.

– Large beak – Useful for tearing food while in flight.

These characteristics all support sustained, efficient gliding and foraging at sea.

Comparison of Gliding Styles

The two groups use slightly different styles of gliding flight:

– Use sloping land updrafts to gain altitude.

– Search for rising warm air currents.

– Ride air currents in circles while scanning for food.

– Will also flap wings for longer periods in active flight.

– Dynamic soarers – Cross wind gradients to gain lift without flapping.

– Zig-zag across wave troughs and crests at sea.

– Use more static soaring than condors.

– Have even longer glide ratios.

These variations show the distinct adaptations of each group for utilising the wind and air currents above their native environments.

Shared Food Gathering Strategy

Despite their different styles of gliding, both condors and albatrosses rely on keen eyesight to locate food while in flight. They scan the landscape or ocean surface for carrion or marine prey.

Once food is spotted, they tuck in their wings and swoop steeply down. Sometimes they may pluck food from the surface while still moving. Or they will land and eat off the ground or ocean.

Their excellent aerial maneuverability makes locating and capturing food on the go an efficient strategy. This allows them to cover large areas rapidly in search of sporadic food sources.

Habitat and Range

Condors and albatrosses inhabit different regions of the world:

– Andean condors – South America along the Andes.

– California condors – Pacific coast of North America.

– Feed mainly on large mammal carcasses and carrion.

– Need mountains or rocky cliffs for nesting and roosting.

– Southern Ocean and North Pacific.

– Tropical, subtropical, and temperate ocean waters.

– Feed on squid, fish, crustaceans, and other marine life.

– Need remote islands for breeding colonies.

Their ranges don’t overlap directly, though some albatrosses may enter the coastal waters of California. Different food sources and nesting habitats in each region suit the lifestyles of these two groups.

Conservation Status

Many albatross and condor species are endangered currently. Specific threats they face:

Threats to Albatrosses

– Being caught on fishing hooks and lures.

– Ingesting plastic pollution.

– Habitat destruction at breeding colonies.

– Climate change affecting prey abundance.

Threats to Condors

– Lead poisoning from scavenging shot animals.

– Habitat loss.

– Collisions with power lines.

– Illegal shooting.

Targeted conservation efforts are critical to help stabilise and recover populations of these threatened giants. Strict protections at nesting sites and reducing lead ammunition use, for example, can help counteract many human impacts.

To summarize, condors have the edge over albatrosses when it comes to sheer wingspan and weight. The Andean condor has the widest average wingspan, while the California condor weighs the most on average.

However, both groups are impressively large birds with adaptations for exploiting air currents to travel vast ocean and land areas in search of food. Their large sizes aid their scavenging lifestyles, allowing them to cover more ground while expending minimal energy gliding.

Ensuring healthy populations of these unique soaring birds requires tailored conservation plans that alleviate the threats they face across their ranges. With appropriate habitat protections and policies to reduce human impacts, condors and albatrosses can continue their vital roles within ecosystems worldwide.

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Largest Birds of the Americas: Land & Sea, Flight & Flightless

July 29, 2019 · Joe Lowe

Twenty-five million years ago, Pelagornis sandersi — the largest flying bird ever — soared on wings that could stretch from a giraffe's head to hoofs. Although Pelagornis ' colossal 24-foot wingspan is beyond the reach of its modern counterparts, many birds in the Western Hemisphere remain impressive in their own right, perched atop the food chain in some cases.

While there may be common agreement that birds like the California Condor, Greater Rhea, and Golden Eagle are big, when it comes to naming the largest, the answer is less clear cut.

That's because bird size is typically defined by body length (bill to tail), wingspan, or weight. Not surprisingly, each measure produces a different winner. And things get more complicated when you begin to consider questions of mobility (flightless vs. flying birds) and habitat (sea vs. land bird).

Lacking a single, overall winner, we've broken the contenders into five basic categories below.

Greater Rhea – Largest Flightless Bird in the Americas

Greater Rhea. Photo by Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

Found in the lowland savannas of central South America, the Greater Rhea is one of the largest birds on the planet. And when it comes to the Western Hemisphere, no other bird can match it in terms of weight and body length.

These flightless giants can weigh over 50 pounds — approximately 800 times more than a house sparrow — and measure 5.5 feet in length. This height gives rheas a good view of the open areas where they live, helping them spot predators which, in many cases, are human hunters. Hunting, coupled with habitat loss, are primary factors driving Greater Rhea decline and the species is now considered Near Threatened .

With ABC support, conservation partners in Bolivia have protected more than 27,000 acres for Greater Rheas and other rare species .

Wandering Albatross – Largest Seabird in the Americas (and World)

Wandering Albatross. Photo by MZPHOTO.CZ/Shutterstock

The Wandering Albatross' massive 11-foot wingspan isn't just the widest in the Western Hemisphere — it's without peer in the world. Found throughout lower portions of the Southern Hemisphere, the Wandering Albatross makes its home almost exclusively at sea, returning to land only once every two years to breed.

These legendary travelers can fly up to 600 miles in a single day, covering a distance equivalent to 18 round trips to the moon during their lifetimes.

And while roaming remote seas keeps Wandering Albatrosses far from most humans, it doesn't eliminate our impact. Wandering Albatrosses are considered Vulnerable and, like other albatross species, they are threatened by climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, and “bycatch,” which occurs when seabirds are caught and drowned by trawler nets and cables or on long lines of baited hooks laid out by fishing boats.

To protect Wandering Albatrosses, ABC's Seabirds Program is working with partners to advance safe fishing techniques while urging Congress to sign onto the international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses & Petrels .

California and Andean Condors – Largest Flying Land Birds in the Americas

Left: Andean Condor. Photo by Vadim Ozz/Shutterstock     Right: California Condor. Photo by kojihirano/Shutterstock

California and Andean Condors are, respectively, the largest flying birds in North and South America. In terms of body length, the California Condor (4.5 feet) slightly nudges out the Andean Condor (four feet). The Andean Condor, however, wins when it comes to weight (33 pounds) and wingspan (10.5 feet)  — nearly as long as a compact car.

Despite inhabiting distant ranges — the desert Southwest vs. the Andes — these birds have much in common. Both are scavengers that feast on the remains of the dead, usually medium- and large-sized mammals. Both are known for their longevity. And, sadly, both are threatened by humans, by lead poisoning (from spent ammunition), habitat loss, and in some areas hunting.

The population of California Condors fell to 22 birds in 1980s, but thanks to a successful captive breeding program there are now 290 in the wild. Today, they are considered Critically Endangered . In South America, ABC is working to save critical habitat for the Andean Condor, which is considered Near Threatened . We helped partner organization Fundación Jocotoco acquire a 7,000-acre area in Ecuador, Hacienda Antisanilla, which protected the majority of condors found in that country in 2014 .

Harpy Eagle: Largest Hunting Bird in the Americas

Harpy Eagle. Photo by Chepe Nicoli/Shutterstock

Tipping the scales at 20 pounds — the approximate weight of two bowling balls — the Harpy Eagle is the largest hunting bird in the Americas. This apex predator, which is found in areas of extensive lowland forest in Central and South America, sports legs comparable in girth to a human arm and talons the size of Grizzly Bear claws. As if that wasn't enough, Harpy Eagles are equipped with owl-like facial disks that pick up even the faintest sounds, leading them to sloths, monkeys, and other prey.

These big hunters occupy vast hunting territories, sometimes exceeding 10,000 acres in size. But finding large, healthy forest tracts is becoming more difficult as tropical woodlands disappear — and the strain is showing as Harpy populations decline. They are now considered Near Threatened .

Luckily, they are not without defenders. ABC supports several bird reserves that provide habitat for Harpy Eagles, including Brazil's Serra Bonita and Ecuador's Narupa Reserve .

Golden Eagle: Largest Hunting Bird in North America

Golden Eagle. Photo by Emil Enchev/Alamay Stock Photo

With a wingspan topping seven feet, Golden Eagles are the largest hunting birds in North America. And they aren't just big birds — Golden Eagles are among the most formidable winged hunters in the world, capable of diving on prey at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. While subsisting typically on rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs, Golden Eagles have been known to feed on much larger animals, including: seals, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, and bobcats.

Their range, which wraps around much of the Northern Hemisphere, is the largest of any eagle. In North America, this includes everything from desert to arctic environments, although they are primarily found in the western United States.

Despite passage of protective legislation in the United States, these birds are not free of human threats. One of the biggest dangers comes from the ever-growing gauntlet of wind turbines built in critical habitat. Turbines in California's Altamont Wind Resource Area alone have killed more than 2,000 Golden Eagles since 1998. In 2013, the federal government extended previous “take” limits, allowing permitted wind energy companies to kill eagles without prosecution for 30 years. The following year, ABC challenged the rule and scored a major victory for eagles when it was rescinded in 2015.

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California Condor Wingspan: How Big It Is & How It Compares to Other Birds

Last Updated on Jan 23 2023

The California Condor is the largest flying bird species in the US with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet across. The species has been saved from extinction but remains endangered. A member of the vulture family, the California Condor is a record-breaker. Its wingspan is the largest of any US land bird while its size means that it is almost the heaviest native species. It also has one of the longest lifespans of any bird, living as long as 60 years.

California Condor Wingspan

The California Condor has the largest wingspan of any land-based bird native to the US. The wings can span up to 3 meters, or nearly 10 feet. Unusually for a bird of prey, the male is larger than the female.

• How Is Wingspan Measured?

Wingspan is measured as the distance between the ends of both wings when fully outstretched. It is difficult to measure, especially with birds in the wild, and it may be affected by the shape of the bird’s wing as well as the wings’ position during flight. The relatively low number of California Condor in the wild also means that it is difficult to get as accurate a range of measurements as it would be with a more populous species.

• California Condor Wingspan Compared to Other Birds of Prey

Although the California Condor has a giant wingspan up to 10 feet, meaning that it is often mistaken for a small plane, it is not the longest. There are more than 10 seabirds that eclipse these measurements, as well as one other species of condor.

The Wandering Albatross has a wingspan of 12 feet, approximately 25% larger than the California Condor. Seabirds like the Albatross have longer wings because they enable better soaring and allow the bird to stay airborne for longer, with less effort.

Other than species of albatrosses and pelicans, other birds that have a measurably longer wingspan include the Andean Condor. It has a wingspan of 11 feet.

Also noteworthy is the Trumpeter Swan. The Trumpeter Swan is a seabird that is native to North America. As well as having an 11-foot wingspan, it is the heaviest bird in North America, weighing a scale-topping 40 pounds.

• Are All Bird Wings the Same?

Although all bird wings are basically the same physical shape, they can differ greatly from one species to the next.

The condor is said to have passive soaring wings, which means that it can fly for miles without having to flap its wings, once in flight. Eagles have a similar wing pattern. The feathers of the wing spread out, and the gaps between the feathers allow the soaring bird to be able to ride air thermals, which are pockets of warm air.

Active soaring wings are as long as passive wings, but they are narrower and do not feature the fanned appearance. These wings benefit from currents of air, rather than thermal pockets, but they also enable the bird to fly long distances without having to flap its wings too often.

Elliptical wings fan out like the passive soaring wings of the California Condor but are much shorter. These wings, which are found on birds like crows and ravens , allow for short bursts of high speed but not prolonged flight. They also help birds like the raven be able to perform incredible aerial acrobatics.

Finally, high-speed wings are shorter than active soaring wings but otherwise look similar. They allow for sustained, high-speed flight. Ducks and falcons both have this type of wing pattern.

• In Conclusion

The California Condor is a giant bird that lives in and California in the US. Its passive soaring wings enable it to fly for long periods, swooping overhead to spot and hunt prey, and with a 10-foot wingspan, it is one of the largest birds in the world and has the biggest wingspan of any land bird in the US, although it is lighter than the Trumpeter Swan.

Featured Image Credit: Barbara Ash, Shutterstock

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About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.

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How Big Are California Condors? (Wingspan + Size)

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Share this article

• California Condor Wingspan
• California Condor Weights
• How big are California condors compared to a human?
• How big is the biggest California condor?
• How big of an animal can a California condor pick up?
• Why are California condors so big?
• California condors compared to other bird species
• Is the California condor the largest bird in the world?
• Can a California condor pick up a human?

The largest land birds in North America, California condors have a colossal wingspan that surpasses that of many of the largest, most fearsome raptors, including bald and golden eagles and turkey vultures.

So just how big are California condors? Read on as we explore how they measure up against other giants of the bird world.

The largest recorded wingspan of a California condor was recorded at 3.05m (10 ft), with the average range falling between 2.4 and 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft). Adult male California condors are marginally heavier than females, with an average weight of 8.8 kg (19.4 lb) compared to 8.1 kg (17.9 lb).

One of the world’s rarest birds, these giant vultures battled back from the brink of extinction to soar their way to the top of the leaderboard of North American birds with the greatest wingspans, just ahead of the American white pelican.

Andean condors, native to South America’s mountainous Andes region are the only other existing condor species in the world, and are similar in stature to California condors, but have a slight edge in both wingspan and weight.

To learn more about how California condors benefit from their vast size, and to discover whether a California condor has the power to lift a human, please keep reading!

California Condors are one of the worlds rarest birds

With giant wings adapted for soaring rather than flapping, wingspan measurements of California condors fall in the range of 2.5 to 3.05 m (8.5 to 10 ft).

Claims of a California condor with a wingspan of 3.4 m (11 ft) exist but have not been substantiated and remain unverified.

Male California condors are slightly heavier than their female counterparts, which is unusual among many birds of prey species, where females are typically heavier and larger than males.

• Weight range: 7.9 to 9.9 kg (17.4 to 21.8 lb)
• Average weight: 8.8 kg (19.4 lb)
• Weight range: 7.0 to 8.9kg (15.4 to 19.6 lb)
• Average weight: 8.1 kg (17.9 lb)

California Condor at Grand Canyon National Park

Standing upright, a California condor reaches a height of 4 ft 2 in (127 cm), around 50 cm (19.7 in) shorter than an average human.

Unsupported claims of a California condor with wingspans of 3.4m (11 ft) exist but have not been verified with evidence. The largest verified wingspan measurement is 3.05 m (10 ft.) Weights and measurements are generally taken from captive birds, so wild-roaming individuals may exceed these records.

California Condor in flight over Big Sur

Unlike eagles and owls, California condors are scavengers that feed on dead animal carcasses, rather than hunting and carrying off large or live prey. For this reason, it’s not typical behavior for a California condor to pick up any kind of prey, regardless of its size.

The vast size of a California condor is thought to be an adaptation that evolved in response to changes in habitat and diet over thousands of years. Scientists believe that California condors were widespread during the Ice Age and would have preyed on carcasses of megafauna, including dire wolves, mastodons, bison, and mammoths.

The larger the bird, the larger carcass it could tackle, which placed California condors at the top of the food chain.

Once the Ice Age ended, and terrestrial mammals were wiped out, California condors needed to expand their range to find any viable source of carrion, which included washed-up carcasses of whales, seals and sea lions.

Research suggests that their enormous wingspans developed as an evolutionary response to the need to cover large distances, enabling them to soar on thermals while scouring the landscape below for food.

The Endangered California Condor Standing on Rock

Many bird species outrank California condors in terms of weight, although these are generally flightless birds, such as ostriches, emus, cassowaries, rhea, and king and emperor penguins.

The heaviest of these, the Common ostrich, can weigh up to 156 kg (345 lb), so at least 15 times heavier than the heaviest California condor. Even king penguins, which can weigh up to 18 kg (40 lb), are twice as heavy as the average California condor.


With verified individuals measuring up to 3.63 m (11 ft 11 in), wandering albatrosses – that soar in the skies over the Southern Ocean – hold the record as the bird with the largest wingspan in the world. Male wandering albatrosses can weigh up to 11.91kg (26 lb), so considerably outweigh California condors too.


California Condor with stretched wings

American white pelicans are commonly recognized as North America’s second-largest bird in terms of wingspan, trailing slightly behind California condors with an average measurement range of 2.4 to 3 m (7.9 to 9.8 ft).

South American Andean condors can reach maximum weights of 15 kg (33 lb), but weigh on average 9-12 kg (20-27 lb), so have a slight edge on the maximum and average weights recorded for California condors. Andean condors’ average wingspan is also slightly greater than that of the California species, with a range of 2.7 to 3.2 m (8.9 to 10.5 ft), compared to 2.5 to 3.05 m (8.5 to 10 ft).

Further afield, Marabou storks, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are ranked as having the world’s largest verified wingspan, with an individual bird’s wing measurement recorded at 3.7 m (12 ft). Great white pelicans, found across Africa and southern Asia, are also acknowledged for their vast wingspans, which fall in the range of 2.26 to 3.6 m (7.4 to 11.8 ft).

Although the California condor is considered to have the largest wingspan of any land bird native to North America, a handful of other species further afield, in the Southern Hemisphere, in sub-Saharan Africa and across southern Asia, have even more impressive wingspans. These include Wandering albatrosses, Great white pelicans, and Marabou storks.

Andean condors, found in South America, also have marginally greater wingspan measurements than the California species.



In terms of mass and height, there are many, many birds that are larger than California condors, including ostriches, emus and cassowaries.

Andean Condors are marginally larger than California Condors

California condors are scavengers rather than hunters and would not attempt to carry off even the smallest live prey, let alone a human that was at least twice their height. They are naturally wary of humans, and would not knowingly approach any site close to human occupation.

California condors lack strength to grip with their talons as they do not need the ability to carry off prey, feeding instead from carcasses where they find them on the ground.

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Birds with the largest wingspan include the Albatross

Birds with the largest wingspan, such as the Albatross, possess unique traits and powerful wings that enable them to soar across great distances. Some notable examples include the Northern Royal Albatross, Andean Condor, Dalmatian Pelican, and Great White Pelican, to name a few. However, it is the Wandering Albatross that claims the title for the largest wingspan, measuring over three meters. The wingspan of these majestic birds is determined by measuring from one feather tip to the other wingtip. It is widely believed that longer wingspans are associated with more extensive flight distances. The Wandering Albatross, known for its diet of crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish, is capable of living for over five decades. Interestingly, these birds have a significantly lower divorce rate than most species, as they mate for life. Despite the vast knowledge we have about these incredible creatures, there are still many unknowns surrounding the factors that contribute to the extinction of certain bird species.

Birds with the Largest Wingspan

Birds with the largest wingspan are an awe-inspiring sight. Their expansive wings allow them to soar through the sky with grace and ease. Some of the birds with the largest wingspans include the Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross, Andean Condor, Antipodean Albatross, Tristan Albatross, Dalmatian Pelican, Southern Royal Albatross, Great White Pelican, and Wandering Albatross.

The Wandering Albatross

One of the birds with the largest wingspans is the Wandering Albatross. This magnificent creature boasts a wingspan of over three meters, making it one of the largest wingspans of any bird. Its wings are perfectly adapted to help it traverse the vast oceans it calls home.

Feeding Habits

The Wandering Albatross primarily feeds on crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish. Its large wingspan allows it to cover a great distance while searching for food, minimizing the effort required to find sustenance. This efficient feeding strategy is crucial for the survival of such a majestic bird.

Long Lifespan

One of the remarkable things about the Wandering Albatross is its long lifespan. These birds can live for over 50 years, which is quite impressive considering their harsh oceanic environment. Their ability to navigate the vast open waters for decades is a testament to their incredible adaptability and resilience.

Mating Behavior

The Wandering Albatross has a unique mating behavior that sets it apart from many other bird species. These birds have a low divorce rate and tend to mate for life. Once they find a suitable partner, they remain together and raise their young as a committed couple. This lifelong bond is a testament to the strength and dedication of these magnificent birds.

Birds’ Wingspan

To understand the significance of birds with large wingspans, it is important to understand the concept of wingspan itself. Wingspan refers to the distance from one feather tip to the other wingtip when the wings are fully extended. It is a crucial measurement in understanding a bird’s ability to fly and navigate its environment.

Measurement Method

Measuring the wingspan of birds is a fairly straightforward process. Scientists carefully spread out the bird’s wings and measure the distance from one tip to the other. This measurement provides valuable insights into the bird’s physical capabilities and its suitability for long-distance flight.

Correlation with Flight Distances

There is a direct correlation between a bird’s wingspan and its flight distances. Birds with longer wingspans have the advantage of being able to cover greater distances with each flap of their wings. This allows them to conserve energy and travel more efficiently, making them well-suited for long migratory journeys.

Traits and Abilities of Birds with Large Wingspans

Birds with large wingspans possess a unique set of traits and abilities that enable them to excel in their environments. These characteristics contribute to their exceptional flying capabilities and overall success as a species.

Unique Traits

One of the most notable traits of birds with large wingspans is their exceptional buoyancy in flight. Their wings are designed to generate lift and provide stability even in the face of strong winds and turbulent conditions. This unique trait allows them to soar effortlessly through the skies, covering vast distances without expending excessive energy.

Strong Wings

The wings of birds with large wingspans are incredibly strong and sturdy. This strength is necessary to support their immense weight and maintain stability during long flights. Strong wings also enable these birds to maneuver through challenging weather conditions and navigate their surroundings with precision.

Long-Distance Flying Ability

Perhaps the most impressive ability of birds with large wingspans is their capacity for long-distance flight. These birds are well-suited for traversing expansive territories and crossing vast bodies of water. Their wingspans provide the necessary lift and power to sustain flight over extended periods, allowing them to migrate across continents and oceans in search of food, breeding grounds, and suitable habitats.

The Albatross Species

The Albatross family includes several species with large wingspans. Each species possesses its own unique characteristics and adaptations, making them fascinating subjects of study and admiration.

Northern Royal Albatross

The Northern Royal Albatross is one of the largest bird species in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to three and a half meters. These magnificent birds are native to the Southern Ocean and are known for their majestic flight and graceful presence.

Antipodean Albatross

The Antipodean Albatross is another member of the Albatross family with an impressive wingspan. These birds are found in the southern oceans and can reach wingspans of over three meters. They are known for their distinctive white plumage and striking appearance.

Tristan Albatross

The Tristan Albatross is a critically endangered species with a modest wingspan of around 2.5 meters. These birds are endemic to the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. They face numerous threats to their survival, including habitat destruction and invasive species.

Southern Royal Albatross

The Southern Royal Albatross is one of the largest species of albatrosses, with a wingspan that can exceed three meters. These birds are native to the Southern Ocean and are renowned for their elaborate courtship rituals and intricate mating dances.

Wandering Albatross

As mentioned earlier, the Wandering Albatross is the albatross species with the largest wingspan. These birds are known for their exceptional ability to cover vast distances and their unique mating behavior. With their majestic wing span of over three meters, the Wandering Albatross commands attention wherever it goes.

The Andean Condor

While not an albatross, the Andean Condor deserves mention when discussing birds with large wingspans. This magnificent species has a wingspan that can exceed three meters, making it one of the largest flighted bird species. Found in the Andes Mountains of South America, these birds are known for their soaring flight and scavenging habits.

The Dalmatian Pelican

Another bird species with a noteworthy wingspan is the Dalmatian Pelican. With a wingspan that can reach up to three meters, these birds are among the largest freshwater birds in the world. They are native to parts of Europe and Asia, where they inhabit lakes, deltas, and wetlands.

The Great White Pelican

The Great White Pelican is a bird species that also boasts an impressive wingspan. These birds can reach wingspans of over three meters, making them formidable creatures in the avian world. They are known for their striking appearance, with bright white plumage and a distinctive pink facial pouch.

Unknowns about Extinction

While birds with large wingspans continue to capture our imaginations, there are still many unknowns about why some bird species have become extinct. Human activities, habitat loss, climate change, and other factors have significantly impacted bird populations worldwide. Understanding these complexities is crucial for the conservation and protection of our feathered friends and their unique wingspans.

In conclusion, birds with large wingspans are truly remarkable creatures. Whether it’s the graceful flight of the albatross or the majestic presence of the pelicans, these birds captivate us with their beauty and abilities. Their large wingspans enable them to soar through the skies with ease, covering vast distances and thriving in their respective habitats. As we continue to explore and learn about these magnificent creatures, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve their environments, ensuring that their impressive wingspans will grace our skies for generations to come.

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A Tale of Two Condors

Posted by Laura Kiniry | Jan 19, 2024 | Latin America , Nature & Wildlife , U.S. National Parks

On a late May day in 2020, a rare sighting occurred. For the first time in nearly 50 years, California condors had landed within Sequoia National Park, along the U.S. west coast’s Sierra Mountain range. People within the park spotted at least six of these New World vultures. Two stood atop a massive granite dome known as Moro Rock, and four others in the park’s Giant Forest—a landscape of towering sequoia trees. 

Condors had been frequent visitors to Sequoia and neighboring Kings Canyon parks until the late 1970s, when their numbers were nearing extinction. Now, thanks to a highly successful recovery plan, there are upwards of 340 California condors in the wild. 

Meet the Two Types of Condors

Condors are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere. These odd-looking avians are known for their prehistoric faces and extraordinary eyesight. Many Indigenous American cultures consider them sacred.

There are only two condor species in existence: the California condor, which was once prevalent across North America but is now limited to areas in the Western U.S. and Mexico’s Baja peninsula, and the Andean condor , with a range stretching from Venezuela to southern Patagonia . Although closely related, the two birds vary in length, weight, wingspan and appearance. However, both are known for their longevity and are more closely related to storks than to Old World vultures like eagles, hawks and kites. 

California condors

Often called “nature’s garbage collectors,” condors primarily feed on carrion, aka the carcasses of dead animals. They typically hit the skies early each day, using their broad wings to soar high in the air over long periods, searching for food. The bigger the carcasses (think sheep, horses, deer and cattle) they find, the better. Condors then feast on these corpses, using powerful stomach acids to break down any nasty bacteria they consume. 

Despite the vital role they play in ecosystems, condors face significant threats like poaching and habitat loss, as well as lead poisoning stemming from bullet fragments. Condors mistakenly ingest the latter when feeding, resulting in more condor deaths than any other identifiable source. 

As one of nature’s great treasures, condors are a sight worth seeing, and it just so happens that Nat Hab knows exactly where to look for these rare birds. But first, here’s a bit more about these two amazing avians that grace our planet.

The Andean Condor 

With its combined maximum weight of 33 lbs and a maximum wingspan of 10 ft 10 in, the Andean condor is considered the world’s largest flying bird: a behemoth that rules the skies over South America’s Andes mountain range and along its neighboring Pacific Coast. It’s a national symbol of several South American countries, including Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, and is also found as far north as Colombia and Venezuela. 

Approximately 6,700 Andean condors still exist in the wild and—with no natural predators—adult birds can live to be more than 70 years old. Still, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed them as vulnerable, due to the numerous threats mentioned above. 

Along with its strong talons, wide-spanning wings with feathers that look like outstretched fingertips in flight, and a hooked beak, an Andean condor is identifiable by its nearly featherless head and neck. The birds also feature a frill of white feathers surrounding the base of their neck. Their adult plumage is mostly black, while their heads range in color from blackish-red to red. 

© Cassiano Zaparoli

Keep an eye out for Andean condors nesting on remote rocky ledges and at high elevations of up to 16,000 feet, or in small narrow crevasses that are somewhat shaded along coastlines. Andean condors rarely flap their wings when flying. Instead, they utilize wind currents to soar through the air for hours at a time.

Torres del Paine © Robert Anthony

The best places for spotting Andean condors in the wild include Peru’s Colca Canyon, above the open grasslands of Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago, and Torres del Paine National Park. One of the most accessible places to watch and photograph them is in Chilean Patagonia’s Olga Teresa, a century-old ranch about an hour’s drive outside Punta Arenas. It’s home to the Cerro Palomares hillside, where nearly 200 Andean condors tend to congregate every late afternoon and evening. 

Nat Hab’s Patagonia Wilderness & Wildlife Explorer also offers an opportunity to catch sight of these magnificent beings in the wild, including three full days exploring Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. 

> Read: Meet the Andean Condor, the King of the Andes

The California Condor

While the California condor is slightly longer than its southern cousin, with an average length of 4.5 feet over the Andean condor’s average of four feet, it’s also lighter in weight and has a shorter wingspan. Still, this impressive vulture remains North America’s largest land bird, with only the golden eagle posing an avian threat. 

You can identify a California condor by its large wingspan (average 9.8 feet), black plumage with white patches on the underside of the wings, and a bald head that ranges in color from yellow to bright orange on adults. These condors also sport a neck frill, but in this case, it’s black. 

For centuries, California condors existed from California to Florida and as far north as Western Canada, but the species faced substantial threats in the 20th century, including agricultural chemicals like DDT. In 1967, the U.S. Federal Government listed California condors as endangered. Twenty years later, Federal wildlife officials rounded up the last 27 or so of them remaining in the wild (a movement that wasn’t without controversy ) and brought them to both the Los Angeles Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park for captive breeding. 

Since 1991, the government has been re-releasing California condors back into the wild, in such areas as Los Padres National Forest (just outside of Los Angeles); Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument; and beginning in March 2022, Redwood National and State Parks in northern California. While the breeding program has been highly successful, their numbers remain critically endangered. 

California condors tend to nest in cliffside caves and even in the trunks of giant redwood trees. Like Andean condors, they utilize air currents to stay aloft and can live for decades, typically up to about 60 years old. If lucky, you might see some soaring in the skies above California’s Pinnacles National Park, or along the Big Sur coastline at Andrew Molera State Park or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Or opt for Nat Hab’s   Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion adventure , which visits the red rock wonders of the American Southwest, including two popular condor sighting spots: Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Zion National Park in Utah. You may also spot them on our journey into Yosemite National Park !

The Importance of Condors 

Not only are condors iconic and sacred birds to many, but their ecological role is undeniable. By consuming animal carcasses, they can help prevent the spread of disease, and their longevity is a prime indicator of ecological health. Remember: If condors are thriving, then their natural surroundings are likely prospering, too.

See condors on our Patagonia , Yosemite and American Southwest Canyons adventures! 

About The Author

Laura Kiniry

Laura Kiniry is an award-winning journalist specializing in nature, travel, and the outdoors. When she's not out traversing Norway's southern fjords or tracking elephants on foot in Ghana, you can find her at home in San Francisco, writing about her adventures and rediscovering her own backyard.

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Largest Wingspan Bird: The Ultimate Guide

What comes to mind when you think of the largest wingspan bird? The bald eagle, perhaps, or the condor. But there are many other birds with impressively large wingspans out there, and some of them are quite surprising.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest wingspan birds in the world, as well as their unique characteristics and habits. So read on to learn more about these impressive creatures!

What Is Wingspan?

Wingspan is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing. The average adult bald eagle has a wingspan of about 2.3 meters (7.5 feet). The largest wingspan on record belonged to an albatross, which measured more than 3.7 meters (12 feet) across! Wingspan is an important factor in a bird’s ability to fly; the larger the wingspan, the greater the lift and the easier it is to stay in the air.

Birds with shorter wingspans typically have to flap their wings more rapidly to stay airborne. In addition to size, wing shape also plays a role in flight.

Some birds, like vultures and albatrosses, have long, narrow wings that are well-suited for gliding. Other birds, like hummingbirds and woodpeckers, have short, stubby wings that are better suited for quick bursts of flapping flight. No matter what their shape or size, all bird’s wings have one thing in common: they’re covered in feathers!

10 birds with the largest wingspan

1. ostrich (struthio camelus)..

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a large flightless bird that is native to Africa. The ostrich is the largest living bird by height and weight, and it also has the largest wingspan of any living bird. Although the ostrich cannot fly, it is an excellent runner, and it can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).

The ostrich is also notable for its long neck and legs, which give it a distinctive appearance. The ostrich is a herbivore, and its diet consists mainly of leaves, seeds, and fruits. The ostrich is found in open habitats such as savannas and deserts.

The bird usually lays two to eight eggs in a nest that is built on the ground. The ostrich is hunted for its meat and feathers. The bird is also used for racing and entertainment purposes.

2. Black Vulture.

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a large bird of prey that has an impressive wingspan reaching up to 6.2 ft (1.9 m). It is one of the largest birds in North America and can be seen soaring through the sky with its long black wings spread wide.

The Black Vulture is an opportunistic feeder and will scavenge for food, but it can also take down small animals. It has some unique adaptations that make it well-suited for life in the air, such as its curved wings which allow it to glide effortlessly and save energy.

The Black Vulture is found in many parts of North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico, and can often be seen soaring in large flocks.

3. Andean Condor.

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a majestic and awe-inspiring bird of prey with an impressive wingspan reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters). It is the largest flying bird in the world and is found in the mountainous regions of South America.

The Andean Condor has a unique, black-and-white feathered plumage, which makes it instantly recognizable. It is an apex predator, feeding mainly on carrion but also taking down small animals such as rabbits and lambs. Its majestic wingspan allows it to soar for hours, riding the thermals and searching for food.

The Andean Condor is a powerful symbol in South American culture and is seen as a sign of strength, power, and freedom.

4. Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) has an impressive wingspan of up to 11 ft (3.4 m), making it one of the largest birds on the planet. These seabirds are found in open oceans around the world and spend most of their lives soaring through the air, searching for food.

They have a unique adaptation that helps them to glide effortlessly across long distances, allowing them to cover vast amounts of the ocean in search of food.

The Wandering Albatross has a black-and-white feather pattern and its wingspan is so impressive that it can be seen from miles away. It is an iconic symbol of the open ocean and is often featured in stories, poetry, and artworks.

5. Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)

The Southern Cassowary, native to New Guinea and Northeastern Australia, is the third largest living bird species in the world by wingspan. It has an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres with a total body length of up to 1.8 metres.

The cassowary has some very interesting features, such as its powerful legs and feet, its bright yellow wattles (the fleshy protuberances on their heads), and its long neck. The colour of the Cassowary’s feathers vary between black, gray and brown.

The Southern Cassowary is a solitary bird that lives in tropical rainforests and is an omnivore, which means it feeds on both plants and animals. It eats a variety of fruits, seeds, insects, small mammals, reptiles, frogs and even carrion (the flesh of dead animals).

The Cassowary has been known to hunt larger prey such as pigs and even humans.

On average, the female Cassowary is larger than the male, and they are usually shy and difficult to approach. They can become aggressive when startled or threatened, and have been known to attack humans if they feel cornered or provoked.

During breeding season, the female will lay up to five eggs and then incubate them for around 50 days. The male will take care of the chicks until they reach adulthood.

6. Dalmatian Pelican

The Dalmatian Pelican is the species of pelican with the largest wingspan. It measures up to 11.2 feet (342 cm) from tip to tip! This majestic bird can be found on large, freshwater lakes and wetlands in parts of southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Dalmatian Pelicans weigh up to 33 lbs (15 kg). They are mostly white with a yellowish-tan head and neck. They have a long, curved bill and webbed feet for swimming.

These majestic birds feed on fish, frogs, and crustaceans that they catch from the water. They can even dive down to 10 meters (33 feet) deep to get their food.

When they are not feeding, they can be seen soaring high in the sky. They have powerful wings that enable them to migrate across large distances and make a low-frequency sound when flying over long distances.

Dalmatian Pelicans are considered threatened due to habitat destruction from wetland drainage, pollution, and hunting. The population has declined by about 30% in the last decade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species from extinction.

The Dalmatian Pelican is an amazing creature with a wingspan that is truly remarkable. Its long history as a majestic bird of flight make it awe-inspiring to watch and admire in the wild. Let’s do our part to protect this species so that future generations can appreciate its beauty and splendor.

7. Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)

The Harpy Eagle, with its wingspan of nearly 7 ½ feet (2.3 m), is arguably the most powerful bird of prey in the world. This massive eagle has a unique pattern of dark feathers that give it a distinct appearance. Its long tail and thickly feathered legs help distinguish this species from other eagles.

Habitat wise, the Harpy Eagle is found in the jungles of Central and South America. It prefers to live close to rivers and other bodies of water, which are ideal sources of food for these predators.

The Harpy Eagle mainly feeds on medium-sized animals such as sloths, monkeys, opossums, porcupines, and snakes . It will also scavenge for carrion and sometimes hunt birds. To capture its prey, the Harpy Eagle swoops down from a high perch with powerful strokes of its wings to snatch them up in its talons.

The female Harpy Eagle is larger than the male, weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg). Both sexes have a black beak and yellow eyes. The plumage of the Harpy Eagle is overall dark grey to brown, but it has a white head, neck, and upper breast. Juveniles are much less distinct in coloration than adults.

The Harpy Eagle does not migrate and can live for up to 30 years in the wild. Though it is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, its population is decreasing due to deforestation and loss of habitat. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this majestic species from further decline.

8. Bearded Vulture

The Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) is an Old World vulture and the only member of its family. It is the only known animal whose diet consists almost exclusively of bone, with some reports suggesting that it may consume up to 95% of its meal from bones. This makes it one of the largest scavengers of bones in the world.

The adult Bearded Vulture has a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can reach an impressive height of between 3 – 4 feet when standing on its hind legs. Its powerful beak is well adapted for tearing through bone, and its feathers are dark brown with white tips. The Bearded Vulture’s legs are relatively short, which helps to make it more agile and better adapted for finding food on the mountainside.

The Bearded Vulture can be found in a variety of habitats in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It usually prefers mountainous regions at 3,000 – 4,000 meters above sea level. In these regions, the Bearded Vulture can often be seen soaring on the thermals that rise from the sun-baked cliffs.

When hunting for food, this vulture will often scavenge through bones left behind by other animals, such as wolves and foxes. It will also hunt for small mammals like marmots and hares. The Bearded Vulture is a solitary bird, and it rarely forms strong social bonds with other members of its species.

The Bearded Vulture has an extremely long lifespan in the wild, with some specimens known to have lived up to 35 years. This impressive longevity means that this vulture is one of the few species that can be found in the wild with a wingspan of 8 feet or more.

This large wingspan gives the Bearded Vulture an advantage when it comes to soaring above its prey, allowing it to spot potential meals from much further away than other scavenging birds. It is also able to use this large wingspan to perform impressive feats of aerial acrobatics, swooping up and down and gliding on the thermals in a mesmerizing spectacle.

9. Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

The Dalmatian pelican is a large bird of the family, Pelecanidae. It has a wingspan that can reach up to 11 feet (3.35m) in length and it is currently listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List.

It prefers freshwater wetlands and marshes, but also spends some time in coastal lagoons, saline lakes, or flooded pastures. Its diet consists mainly of fish which it hunts by swimming and diving underwater.

The Dalmatian pelican is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world with a weight that can reach up to 33 pounds (15 kg). It has an overall white plumage with black tips on its primary feathers. Its head is adorned by a yellowish and grey crest, while its neck and bill are bright pink or orange in color .

This species has an especially large bill that can measure up to 19 inches (48 cm) in length and it is capable of carrying more than 11 pounds (5 kg) of food. It can also use its bill to scoop up fish, crabs and other small animals from the water’s surface.

The Dalmatian pelican is a social bird that can be found in large flocks during breeding season. Once it has built its nest and laid eggs, both parents take turns incubating them. After hatching, the chicks are left alone in the nest until they reach an age at which they can be taken care of by both parents.

The Dalmatian pelican is found in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. It faces many threats such as habitat loss due to development and human activities causing water pollution. It is also affected by the illegal hunting and trapping of birds for their feathers, which are then used to make traditional costumes.

10. Great bustard (Otis tarda)

This bird has the longest wingspan among all ground-dwelling birds. The great bustard is native to the temperate grasslands and steppes of Eurasia, making it one of the few ground-dwelling species of birds that can be found in this region. It has a wingspan that ranges from between 1.32 to 2.75 meters (4.3-9 feet).

The great bustard is an omnivorous species and can be found in open grasslands, meadows, steppes, and cultivated fields eating a variety of insects and small animals. Its diet also consists of seeds, grains and fruits when they are available.

The great bustard has a spectacular courtship display which includes the male spreading its wings and strutting around to attract females. The female chooses a nest site, builds it and cares for the young chicks.

Though it is not considered threatened, this species is still vulnerable due to various factors such as hunting, habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural and urban expansion. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the great bustard and its natural habitats.

The bird with the largest wingspan is the wandering albatross, which has a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet. This makes it the biggest of all flying birds and one of the most impressive sights in nature. The unique size and power of the wandering albatross allow it to soar for long periods of time over vast distances, covering hundreds of miles in a single flight.

Though the wandering albatross may be the biggest of all birds with wingspans, there are a variety of other large flying birds with impressive wingspans as well. From eagles to condors and more, these majestic creatures have been renowned for their impressive size and graceful flight for centuries.

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.

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Woods Hole, Mass. — Wandering albatrosses, which are an iconic sight in the Southern Ocean, are highly adapted to long-distance soaring flight. Their wingspan of up to 11 feet is the largest known of any living bird, and yet wandering albatrosses fly while hardly flapping their wings. Instead, they depend on dynamic soaring—which exploits wind shear near the ocean surface to gain energy—in addition to updrafts and turbulence.

Now researchers, including Philip Richardson , a senior scientist emeritus in Physical Oceanography Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), are unlocking more clues about exactly how wandering albatrosses are such amazing flyers.

In a new paper analyzing GPS tracks of wandering albatrosses, researchers have found that the birds’ airspeed increases with wind speed up to a maximum airspeed of 20 meters per second (m/s; 45 mph). Researchers developed a model of dynamic soaring, which predicts that the birds could fly much faster than 20 m/s. The paper concludes that the birds limit their airspeed by adjusting the turns in their trajectories to be around 60°, and that in low winds the birds exploit updrafts over waves to supplement dynamic soaring.

“We hypothesize that wandering albatrosses limit their maximum across-wind airspeeds to ~ 20 m/s in higher wind speeds (and greater wind turbulence), probably to keep the aerodynamic force on their wings during dynamic soaring well below the mechanically-tolerable limits of wing strength,” according to the paper, “Observations and Models of Across-wind Flight Speed of the Wandering Albatross,” published in the journal Royal Society Open Science .

The paper adds that, given the complex field of wind waves and swell waves often present in the Southern Ocean, “it is also possible that birds find it increasingly difficult to coordinate dynamic soaring maneuvers at faster speeds.”

Regarding low flight speeds by albatrosses, the paper notes that a theoretical model predicted that the minimum wind speed necessary to support dynamic soaring is greater than 3 m/s. “Despite this, tracked albatrosses were observed in flight at wind speeds as low as 2 m/s. We hypothesize at these very low wind speeds, wandering albatrosses fly by obtaining additional energy from updrafts over water waves,” according to the paper.

“We tried to figure out how these birds are using the winds to go long distances—without overstressing their wings—for foraging for food and returning to feed their chicks. To do that, we modeled dynamic soaring and what different turn angles would do to stress on the birds’ wings and speed over the water,” said journal paper co-author Richardson. A dynamic soaring trajectory is an s-shaped maneuver consisting of a series of connected turns, he noted.

“This research is a step in the direction of understanding how wandering albatrosses are able to do these foraging trips and maintain a fairly large population. These birds figured out an amazing way to use the wind to almost effortlessly soar for thousands of miles over the ocean. We wanted to find out exactly how they did it,” he said.

In addition to learning more about albatrosses, the study could have broader implications for helping researchers better understand how to use dynamic soaring to power potential albatross-type gliders to observe ocean conditions, Richardson added.

Trajectories of breeding wandering albatrosses nesting on South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic. These birds are highly adapted to long-distance soaring flight assisted by a wingspan of up to 11 feet--the largest known of any living bird. They use the winds to soar thousands of miles seeking food to bring back to nourish their chicks. (Map by Natalie Renier, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

For the study, researchers used GPS to track 46 wandering albatrosses during foraging trips the birds made between February to September 2004. The birds were breeding on Bird Island, which is off the northwest tip of South Georgia in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Wandering albatrosses lack sufficient musculature to sustain continuous flapping flight for long periods of time; however they have a shoulder lock that mechanically holds their wings outstretched so that little energy is expended while soaring, according to the paper.

Since the earliest days of scientific inquiry, the way that many birds are able soar—that is, fly without flapping their wings—has fascinated and perplexed observers, said paper co-author Ewan D. Wakefield , affiliate researcher at the University of Glasgow and postdoctoral research associate at the University of Durham, UK.  Wandering albatrosses are particularly remarkable for their ability to soar over the surface of the sea for long periods, covering vast distances, Wakefield said. He added that the physical principles explaining dynamic soaring flight were established over a century ago: Basically, albatrosses swoop up and down between layers of fast and slow moving air near the surface of the sea, gaining airspeed each time they do so.

“However, as our study shows, real-world albatross flight differs considerably from the predictions of simple physical models,” Wakefield said. “On the one hand, our GPS-tracking data show that they can and do fly in lighter winds than dynamic soaring models say should be possible. We suspect that this is because they can also fly by surfing updrafts created by the large waves that constantly surge around their Southern Ocean home. On the other hand, the upper limit of albatrosses' airspeed that we measured is much slower than physics predicts. We think that this is because albatrosses need to keep the forces on their wings within tolerable limits. After all, they're made from bone and muscle, not aluminum and titanium. Our study therefore points to ways in which theoretical models need to be refined to capture more faithfully the amazing complexity and beauty of albatross flight.”

Richardson recalled being entranced by wandering albatrosses ever since he observed them during a 1997 oceanographic cruise in the South Atlantic Ocean. “We were steaming upwind at 15 knots, pounding into waves, and these albatrosses caught up to us from astern and were cruising around and having a grand old time,” Richardson said. “I sat there for hours watching these birds in amazement, and wondering how they could fly like that. Now we are learning more about how they do it.”

Funding for this research was provided by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution emeritus fund and the UK Natural Environment Research Council.

Authors: Philip L. Richardson 1 and Ewan D. Wakefield 2

Affiliations:

1 Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA

2 Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate an understanding of the ocean’s role in the changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries stem from an ideal combination of science and engineering—one that has made it one of the most trusted and technically advanced leaders in basic and applied ocean research and exploration anywhere. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, superior ship operations, and unparalleled deep-sea robotics capabilities. We play a leading role in ocean observation and operate the most extensive suite of data-gathering platforms in the world. Top scientists, engineers, and students collaborate on more than 800 concurrent projects worldwide—both above and below the waves—pushing the boundaries of knowledge and possibility. For more information, please visit www.whoi.edu

Key takeaways:

• By analyzing GPS tracks of wandering albatrosses, researchers have found that the birds’ airspeed increases with wind speed up to a maximum of 20 meters per second (45 miles per hour).
• Researchers developed a model of dynamic soaring, which predicts that the birds could fly much faster than 20 meters per second (m/s). However, researchers hypothesize that the birds limit their maximum across-wind airspeeds to about 20 m/s in higher wind speeds (and greater wind turbulence), probably to keep the aerodynamic force on their wings during dynamic soaring well below the mechanically-tolerable limits of wing strength.
• The paper concludes that the birds limit airspeed by adjusting the turns in their trajectories to be around 60° and that in low winds the birds exploit updrafts over waves to supplement dynamic soaring.
• Although a theoretical model predicted that the minimum wind speed necessary to support dynamic soaring is greater than 3 meters per second (m/s), GPS-tracked albatrosses were observed in flight at wind speeds as low as 2 m/s. Researchers hypothesize at these very low wind speeds, wandering albatrosses fly by obtaining additional energy from updrafts over water waves.
• The study points to ways in which theoretical models need to be refined to capture more faithfully the amazing complexity and beauty of albatross flight.

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How Big is the California Condor Wingspan? A Comprehensive Guide

The california condor wingspan can reach up to 9.8 feet, making it one of the largest birds in north america. This endangered species has been the focus of conservation efforts for decades due to habitat loss and hunting.

The california condor is a remarkable bird with a wingspan that stretches nearly 10 feet. It is an endangered species that has faced challenges due to habitat loss and hunting. The bird is part of a carefully planned conservation program that has helped to stabilize its population over the years.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the california condor, its habitat, behavior, and the efforts being made to protect it from extinction. We’ll also examine the bird’s impressive wingspan and how it helps the species thrive in its natural habitat.

Credit: en.wikipedia.org

What Is The California Condor?

The california condor is a remarkable bird that is native to north america. With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, it is one of the largest birds in the world. Below, we will discuss the key characteristics and current population status of this magnificent creature.

A Brief Background Of The California Condor

• The california condor is part of the new world vulture family and is related to the andean condor and the king vulture.
• Due to habitat loss, hunting, and lead poisoning, the california condor almost became extinct in the late 20th century.
• Extensive conservation efforts, including a captive breeding program and the banning of lead ammunition, have helped to increase the population of the california condor in recent years.

Physical Characteristics Of The California Condor

• The california condor has a wingspan of up to 10 feet, making it one of the largest birds in the world.
• It has a distinctive bald head, which helps to prevent bacteria from accumulating from feeding on carrion.
• California condors have black feathers that cover most of their body, with white patches around the wings and neck.
• Male and female california condors look similar, but males are slightly larger than females.

The Current Population Status Of The California Condor

• According to the latest count, there are around 500 california condors in the world, including both captive and wild populations.
• The majority of these birds are in california, with smaller populations in arizona, utah, and baja california.
• Although the population has increased, habitat loss and lead poisoning are still significant threats to the california condor’s survival.

The california condor is a magnificent bird with a fascinating history. Conservation efforts have helped to save this species from extinction, but there is still a long way to go. By learning more about these birds, we can help to protect them for future generations.

Why Is The Wingspan Of The California Condor Important?

The california condor is one of the largest soaring birds in north america. With a wingspan of up to 10 feet, it is an impressive sight to behold. The wingspan of the california condor is just one aspect of their biology and ecology that make them unique and significant.

In this post, we’ll explore why the wingspan of the california condor is so important.

The Role Of Wingspan In Bird Biology And Ecology

Birds have evolved to have a wide variety of wing shapes and sizes. These variations allow birds to thrive in different environments and perform various tasks such as soaring, diving, hovering, and flapping flight. Wing morphology plays a critical role in bird biology and ecology, affecting everything from food acquisition to mating rituals.

Specific Reasons For The Significance Of The California Condor Wingspan

The california condor’s wingspan is exceptional, and it is vital to comprehend the symbolism behind it. Here are some of the specific reasons why this wingspan is so significant:

• Efficient soaring: The california condor’s wingspan allows it to soar high and glide efficiently, using minimal energy. This is crucial as it enables them to cover vast areas in search of food and other resources.
• Thermoregulation: The large wingspan allows the condor to regulate its body temperature by adjusting the amount of surface area exposed to the sun. This strategy is vital as it helps them combat the extreme heat of their habitat.
• Long-distance movement: The large wingspan makes it possible for california condors to cover long distances, allowing them to migrate long distances, move between different habitats, and relocate to breeding grounds.
• Superior foraging abilities: The soaring ability and spectacular wingspan of the california condor make them efficient foragers, allowing them to detect the carcasses of large animals at great distances. This gives them a unique competitive advantage over other scavengers.

The wingspan of the california condor is more than just a simple anatomical measurement. It plays an integral role in their biology and ecology, contributing to their soaring ability, thermoregulation, long-distance movement, and superior foraging ability. Understanding the significance of the california condor’s wingspan helps us appreciate the unique adaptations that make this species so remarkable.

How Wide Is The Wingspan Of The California Condor?

The california condor is a remarkable bird, and its wingspan is no exception. These magnificent creatures are a true testament to the grandeur of nature, and it’s only right to give them the recognition they deserve. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question on every bird enthusiast’s mind: how big is the california condor wingspan?

Description Of The Wingspan Of The California Condor

The wingspan of the california condor is truly impressive, measuring up to 9. 8 feet (3 meters) in length! This wingspan is larger than that of any other north american land bird, and it’s not hard to see why. When you see a california condor soaring through the sky, it’s easy to be awed by the sheer size and power of their wings.

Comparison Of California Condor Wingspan To Other Bird Species

To put the wingspan of the california condor into perspective, let’s compare it to other bird species:

• Bald eagle: The wingspan of the bald eagle is typically between 6 and 7 feet (1.8-2.1 meters), making it significantly smaller than the california condor.
• Golden eagle: The golden eagle has a wingspan that ranges from 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8-2.3 meters), which puts it roughly in the same category as the bald eagle.
• Andean condor: The andean condor, which is closely related to the california condor, has a wingspan that ranges from 9.2 to 10.5 feet (2.8-3.2 meters). While the andean condor’s wingspan is larger than the california condor’s, it’s important to note that the andean condor is also a much larger bird overall.

Factors Affecting The Size Of The California Condor Wingspan

There are several factors that can affect the size of the california condor’s wingspan. Here are some of the key factors:

• Genetics: Like all living creatures, the california condor’s wingspan is largely determined by genetics. Strong genetic traits can lead to a larger wingspan.
• Habitat: The environment in which the california condor lives can have an impact on its wingspan. Birds that live in areas with open skies, like the grand canyon, tend to have larger wingspans.
• Diet: The california condor’s diet can also affect its wingspan. Birds that have access to a varied diet with high protein content are more likely to have a larger wingspan.

The wingspan of the california condor is truly remarkable and a testament to the beauty and power of nature. By understanding the factors that affect its size, we can gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent birds.

How Far Does The California Condor Fly?

The california condor is a fascinating bird that has captured our attention for many reasons. With their impressive wingspan and unique features, it’s not surprising that people have many questions about these animals. One of the most common questions is about how far the california condor can fly.

In this section, we will explore the different factors that affect their flying range and the challenges that they face.

Information On The Flying Range Of The California Condor

• California condors are able to fly great distances, with some individuals being recorded to travel over 100 miles in a single day.
• The average distance covered by these birds is around 150 miles per day, which allows them to forage for food and explore large territories.
• The total flying range of a california condor can vary greatly depending on the individual bird’s age, sex, and overall health.

Factors Affecting The Flying Range Of The California Condor

• Food availability is a significant factor affecting the flying range of california condors. These birds need to consume a significant amount of food, between 1-2 pounds per day, and may travel great distances to find suitable food sources.
• Temperature and wind conditions can also affect the flight patterns of the california condor, with high winds and cold temperatures decreasing their flying range.
• Habitat fragmentation and the loss of suitable foraging areas can also affect the flying range of these birds. As human activity encroaches on the habitats of these birds, they may need to travel further to find the resources they need.

Challenges Faced By The California Condor During Flight

• The california condor has a large wingspan of up to 9.8 feet, which can make them vulnerable to strong winds and turbulence.
• In addition, the california condor is a heavy bird, with an average weight of around 20 pounds. This weight can make it difficult for them to gain altitude and fly for extended periods.
• Loss of habitat and the challenges associated with finding enough food to sustain their large size can also make flying more difficult for these birds.

The california condor’s flying range is affected by a variety of factors, including food availability, temperature, habitat fragmentation, wind conditions, and the challenges associated with their large wing size and weight. Despite these challenges, these birds are still able to travel great distances and sustain themselves in the wild.

Understanding the factors affecting their flight can help us better protect these magnificent birds and ensure their continued survival.

Frequently Asked Questions For How Big Is The California Condor Wingspan? A Comprehensive Guide

What is the wingspan of a california condor.

The california condor has an average wingspan of 9. 5 ft and can weigh over 25 pounds.

How Do California Condor Wings Compare To Other Birds?

The california condor has one of the largest wingspans of any bird in north america and the world.

How Does The California Condor Use Its Large Wingspan?

The california condor uses its large wingspan to soar through the air for hours searching for carrion to feed upon.

How Does The Wingspan Of A Juvenile California Condor Compare To An Adult?

Juvenile california condors have a wingspan around 6 feet, about two-thirds that of an adult.

Can California Condor Wingspan Size Affect Their Flight?

California condors have large wingspans to support their massive bodies and glide through the air with ease.

The wingspan of the california condor is an impressive feat of nature that has captured the attention of experts and enthusiasts alike. As we’ve seen throughout this comprehensive guide, these birds have an incredible wingspan that can reach up to 9.

8 feet (3 meters) in length, making them one of the largest birds in north america. While their size and beauty may be awe-inspiring, it’s important to remember that these animals are also a crucial part of their ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of nature.

Protecting the habitats of the california condor and ensuring their continued conservation efforts is essential for the survival of this magnificent species. With further research and education, we can work towards a future where these birds can thrive and continue to amaze us with their stunning wingspans.

Md Atiqul Hakim

AtiQ's blog, "Wild Bird Lady," is a treasure trove of insights, tips, and captivating stories. Join him on a fascinating journey of exploration, discovery, and celebration of our avian neighbors through engaging articles and breathtaking photographs.

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Andean Condor

Vultur gryphus.

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a magnificent bird, emblematic of the South American Andes. This New World vulture is the sole member of its genus and is recognized as one of the world's largest flying birds, boasting a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters (10 feet 10 inches) and weighing as much as 15 kilograms (33 pounds). The species is distinguished by its predominantly black plumage, with males featuring a ruff of white feathers at the neck's base and large white patches on the wings. The head and neck are nearly featherless and exhibit a dull red hue, which can intensify with the bird's emotional state.

Identification Tips

The male Andean condor can be identified by a wattle on the neck and a sizeable dark red comb on the head's crown. Females are somewhat smaller, which is contrary to the typical sexual dimorphism observed in birds of prey. Juveniles display a grayish-brown coloration with a blackish head and neck.

The Andean condor favors open grasslands and alpine areas at elevations up to 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), where it can easily spot carrion from the air.

Distribution

This species is native to the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, with its range extending from Venezuela and Colombia in the north, through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, down to the Tierra del Fuego.

Condors are known for their soaring flight, utilizing mountain updrafts and thermals to stay aloft with minimal wing-flapping. They exhibit a complex social structure and are often seen near rock cliffs.

Song & Calls

The Andean condor communicates through a series of hisses and clucks, particularly noticeable during courtship displays.

Andean condors reach sexual maturity at five to six years and mate for life. They nest on inaccessible rock ledges, laying one or two bluish-white eggs, which both parents incubate.

Similar Species

The Andean condor is unique in its genus, but it can be compared to the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus), which has a similar appearance and ecological role.

Diet and Feeding

As scavengers, Andean condors feed primarily on carrion, preferring large carcasses such as those of deer or cattle. They have been observed to occasionally hunt small live prey.

Conservation status

The Andean condor is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with habitat loss and secondary poisoning from lead in carcasses posing significant threats. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs and reintroduction into the wild.

Andean Condor Fun Facts

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The Andean condor: a bird that hardly ever flaps its wings

The Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus ) is a bird with one of the longest wingspans in the world—about 3.3 meters, or 10 feet 10 inches. Their mean weight is 11.3 kg (25 lb), with males weighing about a kg more than females. Wikipedia notes that its wingspan is “exceeded only by the wingspans of four seabirds and water birds—the roughly 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) maximum of the wandering albatross, southern royal albatross, great white pelican and Dalmatian pelican”.

The condor is a denizen of the Andes and a carrion eater, now favoring large dead animals like cows and cattle, though before humans arrived it certainly feasted on the carcasses of native herbivores like guanacos.

A new paper in PNAS (see below) gives data obtained by affixing electronic devices to eight condors, devices that recorded their altitude, whether they flapped their wings (measured by an accelerometer), and how far they traveled using an included GPS. The results are quite amazing: they hardly every flap their wings except when taking off. But I am getting ahead of myself. First, have a look at the soaring behavior of this bird in a 2½-minute video. You can see one desultory wing flap 36 seconds in, and another at 2:20. That’s it.

You can read the PNAS paper for free by clicking on the screenshot below; the pdf is here, and full reference at bottom.

And, at The Conversation , one of the authors, Emily Shepard, describes the study in layperson’s terms (click on screenshot).

The authors caught juvenile condors by luring them down with sheep carcasses, and than affixing clever electronic boxes to the birds, boxes that were designed to fall off after a few days when they were roosting. The data collected was so copious—320 pieces per second, that they couldn’t record it in real time, but had to recover the boxes from the roosting sites and download the data that way.

Here’s a bird being tagged (two photos below from The Conversation piece)

And retrieval of the data box:

The results are unsurprising in one sense, as they found (and we already knew) that these birds soar by using thermals—warm rising air—as well as winds blown upwards when they contact mountain peaks (updrafts).  But the surprising thing was how rarely the condors flapped when they were on their foraging flights.

In 235 hours of flight time recorded (1.3  billion  data points!), the authors found that condors spend about three hours of the day soaring between roosting and feeding sites, looking for livestock carcasses.  The intriguing result was how little wing flapping there was: only about 1% of that time aloft was spent flapping.  One striking bit of data came from a single bird who didn’t flap its wings at all for 317 minutes (5 hours, 17 minutes), and yet covered 172 km (107 miles).

This is the lowest amount of flapping of any free-ranging bird, and of course this reduces the energy needed to keep such a large bird aloft. In toto , researchers calculated that 21% of the daily costs of flight were spent in flapping while aloft, while 75% of the costs were involved in takeoff, each such takeoff using the energy equivalent of 3.3 minutes of flapping. Takeoff is onerous, time-consuming, and dangerous, as, say the authors, condors are susceptible to predation then (presumably by large cats like pumas).

Here’s a 25-minute readout from a single soaring condor giving three bits of information: the altitude (top), the heading (middle), and whether they were flapping (“acc” or acceleration), bottom. There appear to have been seven or eight flaps.

The extremely low rate of flapping, using only about 1% of its time aloft, and the bird’s use of thermals and updrafts, explains how such a heavy bird can maintain its lifestyle without expending excessive energy. And the high costs of takeoff explain (along with predation) why these birds roost and nest on high mountain ledges, where they don’t really have to take off, but can simply fall off the ledge and begin soaring.

What are the implications of this work? The authors mention an extinct terrestrial bird, Argentavis magnificens , which apparently weighed about 72 kg—more than six times heavier than the Andean condor. (It’s know from a single humerus, or upper arm bone, which is about as long as a human’s.) Here’s a photo of its size relative to humans and Andean condors:

Wikipedia gives details, and adds that there’s now a fossil species with an even longer wingspan one that would extend to the right side of the figure above!:

Argentavis  wingspan estimates varied widely depending on the method used for scaling, i.e. regression analyses or comparisons with the  California condor . At one time, wingspans have been published for the species up to 7.5 to 8 m (24 ft 7 in to 26 ft 3 in) but more recent estimates put the wingspan more likely in the range of 5.09 to 6.5 m (16 ft 8 in to 21 ft 4 in). Whether this span could have reached 7 m (23 ft 0 in) appears uncertain per modern authorities. At the time of description,  Argentavis  was the largest winged bird known to exist but is now known to have been exceeded by another extinct species,  Pelagornis sandersi , was described in 2014 as having a typical wingspan of 7 to 7.4 m (23 ft 0 in to 24 ft 3 in).  Argentavis had an estimated height when standing on the ground that was roughly equivalent to that of a person, at 1.5 to 1.8 m (4 ft 11 in to 5 ft 11 in), furthermore its total length (from bill tip to tail tip) was approximately 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in).

Argentavis was certainly airborne, and the present work on condors shows that it probably remained aloft by soaring. That, in turn, would imply that it was a scavenger and not a predator, as the latter lifestyle would imply a much more active flight that would be impossible in such a bird. I’ve seen an Andean condor once, in Argentina, and even though it was way up in the sky, it was still impressive. Imagine what it would look like to see an Argentavis magnificens soar past!

____________

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20 thoughts on “ the andean condor: a bird that hardly ever flaps its wings ”.

Never knew until just now that the soundtrack tune to that vid, Simon & Garfunkel’s “If I Could,” is known in Spanish as “ El Condor Pasa .”

I believe Simon and Garfunkel use the name ‘El Condor Pasa (If I could)’ on their track lists. It is a Peruvian melody that they covered.

Thanks. Having flaunted my ignorance in this manner, I can empathize with why they’d rather be a hammer than a nail. 🙂

The idea that, by using allometric scaling, one can deduce so much about the ecology of extinct organisms, is fascinating. I wonder if anyone has tried to recreate an entire ancient ecosystem, covering all of the fossil organisms found, using this method?

As someone who does research on condors, I love that your return to reporting science papers (no criticism intended–I read that post) is a great new paper on the most fascinating bird in the world.

–Totally Biased.

Now I want to come back as a condor.

Bon appétit!

To paraphrase Snoopy: I could never eat a rotting dead skunk on a hot August morning.

Lacking in culinary skills, was he?

They make even the most high performance gliders look bad. The aircraft I worked on years ago, F-100 had the glide ratio of a rock. That is why it was called the lead sled.

They make even the most high performance gliders look bad

Sorry, Randall, not even close. According to this paper , the Andean condor has a glide ratio of 14:1. Even a basic training glider like the Schweizer SGS 2-33 blows that away, achieving 22:1. Typical standard class gliders are in the 40+ range, and open-class gliders achieve better than 60:1.

BTW, if you follow that link to the 2-33, the picture at the top of the article shows a 2-33 with registration C-GRVS. That’s the actual plane that I soloed in! In the third picture, you can see it at the club (Rideau Valley Soaring, south of Kars, Ontario, Canada). In the background, you can see another of the club gliders, a Grob G103. It gets 36:1. A nice plane to fly.

Nothing like a perpetual motion machine, but can you imagine civilized highly scientific beings living on a planet whose atmosphere’s properties are such that virtually all their long distance travel comes from the energy of the wind applied directly to the wings of their flying machines. The condor people.

Will humans ever make this a possibility? It certainly would be a big advance re climate change problems, but seems very unlikely soon enough.

I really would like to visit the Andes sometime soon; and bring the old Simon&Garfunkel with me.

Albatrosses also manage to cover huge distances with barely any wing-beats. Rather than using thermals they use a technique known as dynamic soaring that exploits gradients of wind-speeds over the ocean surface. https://jeb.biologists.org/content/221/1/jeb169938

The different methods used to achieve efficient soaring account for the differences in wing shape with the condor having the very broad wings and albatrosses having long slender wings.

Very cool. Evolution works hard to give its organisms access to free energy!

It would have been amazing to see such a bird as Argentavis magnificens flying. Some of the pterosaurs were even larger, much larger. Wikipedia says Quetzalcoatlus northropi maxed out at 13m (43 ft)! This would make it over double the wingspan of Argentavis magnificens. Keep your small children under cover!

Very interesting. I spend a lot of time watching turkey vultures soar and I’ve always wanted to see an Andean condor.

And how about ~250kg arkdarsid pterosaurs taking off?

An amazing bird. It’s sad that their population is decreasing. Hopefully a program like the one that has succeeded in increasing the California condor’s population can be implemented.

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California Condor Wingspan: Explained And Compared With Others

I was curious to know how big the wingspan of the California condor is. So I went on a rabbit hole journey about California condors and I searched every possible thing about them and other giant wingspan birds.

So here I brought you this article about the wingspan of California condor. I’ve covered every aspect of it and also compared it with other birds.

So without further ado, let’s get into it.

California Condor Wingspan

Intense human efforts saved the federally endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) from extinction; it now breeds in the southwest, including Utah, Arizona, and California. It is the most giant terrestrial bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet, and one of the rarest birds in the entire world.

The California Condor is well known for its large wingspan, in fact, the bird species has one of the largest wingspans in North America. 

On average California condor has a wingspan range between 2.49 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft).

Interestingly, the male and female California Condors almost have similar wingspans, so the above lengths are applicable to both genders of the bird. 

Juvenile California Condor Wingspan

Generally, the size of living beings increases with age till it reaches sexual maturity. 

The length of the wings of a juvenile California Condor is obviously smaller than that of an adult. 

Additionally, the wingspan varies with every age. On average the juvenile California condor has a wingspan range of 4-7 feet (1.2- 2.1 meters). 

Does The California Condor Have The Largest Wingspan?

Although in terms of wingspan measurement the Andean Condor comes out on top (10.5 feet). But since the Andean condor is not counted as a North American bird species.

So we can say the California condor is the biggest flying bird in North America. However, in terms of body length, the California Condor (4.5 feet) significantly outnumbers the Andean Condor (4 feet).

California condors have a wingspan of 9.5 feet (3 meters), which is at least 2 feet longer than the next biggest bird, the golden eagle. 

California Condor Vs Andean Condor Wingspan

Two of the most competitive Condor birds are the California Condor and the Andean Condor. The Andean Condor is the most closely related to the California Condor. 

If we compare the two bird types on the basis of their length then the length of the California Condor is 4.5 feet and the length of the Andean Condor is 4 feet. Here the California Condor significantly outnumbers the Andean Condor. 

While the California Condor has a wingspan of 2.49 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft), the Andean Condors have a wingspan of 2.5-3.2 meters (8.5-10.5ft). 

California Condor Wingspan Vs Bald Eagle

Have you ever thought, if we compare the same bird with other types of bird species such as Eagles then what would you get? In this article section, we will be comparing the California Condor with Bald Eagles. 

The bald eagle is a North American predatory bird. Bald eagles are often located in vast amounts of open water with an abundance of food and old-growth trees for nesting.

Female bald eagles are often bigger than males but have the same color. Bald eagles may reach a height of 2.5 to 3 feet (0.7 to 0.9 meters) and have a wingspan of 1.8 and 2.3 m (5 ft 11 in and 7 ft 7 in). 

As we earlier pointed out the size of the wingspan of the California Condor is 2.49 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft), we can clearly see the dominance. The California Condor has a larger wingspan as compared to the Bald Eagle. 

California Condor Wingspan Vs Albatross

Another bird to compare with the California Condor is the Albatross. The wandering albatross is the most giant flying bird in the world. 

Albatrosses have the most giant wingspan because they employ their enormous wingspans to ride the ocean breezes and often glide for hours without stopping or even flapping their wings.

It is quite insane how the wingspan of these birds can go up to 11 to 12 feet, while the wingspan of the California Condor is around 8-9 feet. 

The 1 feet difference in their wingspan makes the Albatrosses more advanced and efficient in flight. 

Moreover, you would be stunned to know that the Wandering albatross is known to have the largest wingspan and is the fifteenth heaviest bird in the world. 

California Condor Wingspan Compared To Human

Up till now, we have compared the California Condor with its own type of birds, and with other types of birds, it is essential that we also compare it with other species. 

While we human species don’t really have wings we cannot really compare in terms of wingspan. Instead, the alternative is to compare the height or arm span of humans with the wingspan of the California Condor. 

So, the average adult height and arm span are around 5.5-5.9ft and the wingspan of the California Condor is 8-10 feet. 

Even though there is not a big difference yet we cannot deny that the California Condor with its wings wide open is larger than the average human in every aspect. 

That was everything you need to know about the California condor wingspan. I hope this article was informative enough and you got something useful from it.

Thank you for reading!

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