One of the largest birds of prey is the Andean condor. The representative of the animal world belongs to the American vulture family and lives in the Andes and the Pacific coast of South America. A large bird flies well and easily overtakes prey. The Andean condors are now on the verge of extinction, because the governments of the countries in which the bird lives, have developed special measures to save animals.
general description
The Andean condor grows up to 135 cm in length. The maximum weight of the birds is 15 kg. It has been noticed that female animals are much smaller than males. A distinctive feature of condors is the head and large neck, on which feathers are practically absent. The bare skin is pink in color, but it can also change depending on the mood and emotional state of the condor.
The male Andean condor is easily recognizable by the unique “earrings” that are located on the neck, and the dark red ridge (it looks like a growth).
Condors are quite expressive birds. They have black feathers and a characteristic white collar. Also, there may be light specks on the bald head and wings. Due to the constant hunting of condors, the number of animals has dropped dramatically. In addition, the “attack” of civilization on the natural environment and environmental pollution has a negative impact on the state and vital activity of birds.
Features of behavior
The Andean condor is a powerful bird with great muscular strength. The flying predator perfectly holds its huge wings in the sky and can fly without flapping them for about 30 minutes. The feathered representative of animals carefully plans its flight, during which it uses updrafts.
In order to rise into the sky, the condor flaps its wings loudly and, trying to avoid overwork, flies from cliffs and rocks. The main advantage of the bird is its keen eyesight. This sense organ allows prey to be seen at a great distance. This type of bird is distinguished by its cleanliness, therefore, at the first opportunity, it is taken to cleaning the feathers. During the process, condors destroy parasites, as well as particles of decomposed food. To avoid catching fungal infections, birds defecate on their feet. The waste contains uric acid, which kills pathogenic microflora.
The condor hunt begins early in the morning. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, the bird may abstain from flying altogether. Members of the American vulture family do not have a vocal organ.
Nutrition
Flying predators love to feast on ungulates, especially deer and horses. They also feed on carrion, fish, eggs, small chicks, carcasses washed ashore. Sometimes, in search of food, a condor can fly about 200 km. Several scavengers share the meal at once. They begin the feast with the eyes, tongue, genitals of prey. For one meal, the Andean condor can eat up to 5 kg of meat.
Reproduction
A condor takes about 5-6 years for puberty. An amazing feature of animals is their monogamy – birds create a pair once and for all. It takes up to 2-3 years for condors to win a female, create a family and raise offspring. The female lays from one to two eggs with a bluish tint, their size reaches 280 g. Both parents incubate the clutch. The baby is fed twice a day. If there are two cubs in the clutch and one of them has not hatched, then the parents lose all interest in him. It is believed that the second egg is needed “in reserve”.
