Critter Guide :: Birds :: Condor The California condor is the largest flying bird in North America. Their wingspan is almost 10 feet across. Adult condor skin changes color, depending on the condor's emotions. They have good hearing and excellent eyesight. Condors communicate with hisses, growls, grunts, and body language -- and they don't have any vocal cords. They tend to lay their eggs on rocky crevices and in cliff caves. Where do they live? In the past, California condors lived throughout the United States, but by the 1940s, they were found only on the west coast. In 1967, there were only about 50 California condors alive and they were put on the Endangered Species list. By 1985, the few wild condors remaining were captured and placed in a captive breeding program. The program was a success and today, the number of condors is growing rapidly. They have been reintroduced to the wild in California and near the Grand Canyon. What do they eat? California condors are scavengers, eating dead animals and carcasses left by hunters. Some condors will regurgitate their food if they feel threatened. Critter Fact If an egg is lost, a female will lay a replacement egg one month later. Did You Know? Condors are in the same family as vultures. Related Episodes Animal Attractions http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/attractions/

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