Common Names:
Habitat: The Arizona population of California Condors is spread over northwestern Arizona (on the Arizona strip) and southern Utah. The best places to see them in the wild are at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (especially during fall, winter, and spring), Navajo Bridge (especially during the winter and spring), the Vermillion Cliffs, and the Paria Plateau. They prefer areas with large topographical relief, relying on updrafts and solar-generated thermals for their flight. Areas with trees or cliffs for perching and large mammals are preferred.
Description: The largest flying land bird in North America, the California Condor has a wing span of 9 1/2 feet, and an average weight of 18 pounds. They can easily be distinguished from their close relatives the Turkey Vulture by their large size, the bright white triangles on the leading edges of the wings, bright pink/orange head (not red) in adults, flat (not inclined) wings while soaring, spread primary feathers, and numbered wing tags and radio transmitters.
Comments: Almost extinct, they are being brought back from the edge of extinction through tremendous hard work and dedication. Can often be seen from the Rim at Grand Canyon Village. Do not feed, they need to exist in the wild.