condor

Condors are a description of two species of New World vultures, the California condor and the Andean condor. They are in the Cathartidae family but are classified into different genus.

The adult plumage is uniformly black, with the exception of a frill of white feathers nearly surrounding the base of the neck, which are meticulously kept clean. As an adaptation for hygiene, the condor's head and neck have few feathers, which exposes the skin to the sterilizing effects of dehydration and solar ultraviolet light at high altitudes. This skin is pink or grey depending on species and mood.
They have flattened heads, which in the male is crowned with a caruncle or comb, while the skin of the neck lies in folds, forming a wattle. Due to the extent of bare skin on the head which extends below the nostril, the beak can appear relatively small.

Condors are frequent subjects of worship or reverence in indigenous cultures.

Examples

• !asset #50015412: Andean condor
• !asset #50015438: Vulture

See also

• Tag Group:Birds