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Andean Condor
Vultur gryphus
-25.1089, -64.333
Field Notes
Description:
The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the Andean regions. The Andean Condor is considered near threatened by the IUCN. It is threatened by habitat loss and by secondary poisoning from carcasses killed by hunters. Captive breeding programs have been instituted in several countries. the Andean Condor has a wingspan of up to 3.2 m/10.5 ft but is exceeded by the Wandering Albatross (at up to 3.6 m/12 ft).
Notes:
I though I'd seen big flying birds when I looked at Bald and Golden Eagles... but this was astounding. My team leader called to me to look in the air, and when I looked, I instantly knew what it was even though I've never seen one before. The sheer size of this animal almost made the cliffs, which it was flying next to, look small. And I think this is a juvenile. I hope to see one in the wild again because my team leader later told me, apparently, if you lay down totally still in the sun and put something red on you, they are attracted to you and will come down to check you out-which would make for a heck of a shot. ;)
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