Today, we'd like to present you the story of the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), himself the biggest bird living in the whole Andes mountain range, and national bird of many South American countries: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Chile.
One of our naturalist guides, Jorge Valenzuela, who leads trips throughout Chile, tells us about his latest tour, “Condors of Farellones”. This majestic bird doesn’t take flight until the air currents are perfect. Once the air conditions are ideal, the Andean condor descends to Farellones. In this scene, Jorge tells me that it’s likely to observe juvenile, immature, and adult individuals—a true natural spectacle and an opportunity to see the Andean condor in different phases of its life. Andean Condor Patagonia Andes
The largest bird scavenger in South America
The Andean condor belongs to the Cathartidae family, a group of scavenger birds known for their ability to locate food over long distances. This species inhabits the Andes mountain range, from Venezuela to southern Argentina and Chile, at altitudes ranging from sea level to 5,000 meters. However, it is now more difficult to see in northern Peru. Furthermore, it has almost completely disappeared in two regions: the northeast of Colombia and the Venezuelan Mountains. This makes sightings of the Andean Condor in Chile a unique and spectacular event. With their impressive wingspan of up to 3 meters, these birds offer an unforgettable experience.
Andean Condor Patagonia Andes Andean Condor Patagonia Andes
In addition, Jorge mentioned that the best moment in his tour is when they see an Andean Condor feeding on carrion—and that moment is all about luck! This bird feeds on the carcasses of large and medium-sized mammals, such as guanacos and domestic livestock. They also descend to coastal areas in search of stranded whales, seals, and seabirds. Additionally, they take advantage of the birthing season in sea lion and seal colonies to feed on the placentas of newborns. This makes their survival dependent on incredible flight efficiency to locate carrion. From great heights, they cover long distances in search of prey, detecting it from afar.
The Art of the Condor’s Flight
The Andean condor is a true master of flight, with an astonishing ability to harness air currents without moving a single feather. Thanks to its ability to detect wind currents, it can stay in the air for up to 5 hours and travel up to 170 kilometers, gliding between rising air currents. These natural forces provide the energy it needs to fly effortlessly, allowing it to cover vast territories in search of food.
Every movement of the condor is vital: it must manage its energy with extreme precision, reserving it for the most crucial moments, such as when it spots the carrion that will nourish it. Every time a condor soars in the sky, it is making the most of what the air offers, turning its flight into a perfect dance with nature. A truly impressive visual spectacle! Andean Condor Patagonia Andes
Field identification
To identify the different stages in the Andean condor’s life cycle, it is important to know certain characteristics that allow us to distinguish between an immature, juvenile, or adult individual. But first, what should we look for?
The male has a prominent crest, a fleshy structure on the head, which the female lacks. Another difference is in the iris color: in adult males and immature females, the iris is brown, while in adult females, it is a bright red. Additionally, adults both males and females share a distinctive feature: are black and has white collar around the neck and on the upper part of wings, the median, greater, and secondary feathers are white.
The juvenile is a dull brown color, with dark bare skin and dark feathers. An immature individual represents the transitional stage between a juvenile and an adult. During this process, the plumage begins to darken, becoming a deeper black, and the white collar starts to appear, though it is still not well-defined. Andean Condor Patagonia Andes
Andean Condor in Central Chile and Patagonia
Would you like to experience the unique thrill of observing these majestic birds in their natural habitat? We offer two exclusive tours, designed for you to admire condors in completely different settings, each with its own beauty and charm. Come and immerse yourself in nature while enjoying an unforgettable adventure!
Andean Condor Patagonia Andes
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