![]() California condors have also been recorded feeding on rabbits, marine mammals, and fish. Some of their favorite foods are deer, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, bears, cattle, and cougars. Condors prefer to feed on carcasses of large mammals. They do not hunt live prey in any fashion. The California condor feeds on carrion, which is the carcasses of dead animals. Confirmed remains have been identified in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. There are even fossil records suggesting the presence of condors in Florida and New York as well. Historically, California condors could be found across much of the Western U.S., and some areas of Mexico. Finally, the release sight in Mexico is the Sierra San Pedro Martir Mountains of Baja California. The release sight in Arizona is Vermilion Cliffs, just north of the Grand Canyon. The three release sights in California are the Ventana Wilderness in Big Sur, Pinnacles National Monument (also near Big Sur), and the Los Padres National Forest, north of Los Angeles. There are populations of wild condors in California (hence the name California condor), Arizona, and Mexico. Distribution of the California Condor Modern RangeĬalifornia condor populations have been reestablished in a small number of locations, through release programs. They frequent beaches, meadows, forests, mountains, and canyons. They have been found flying as high as 15,000 feet in the air! Condors can also reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.Ĭalifornia condors soar across a wide variety of habitats in search of food. These birds use their immense wings to ride rising thermal air currents, and will glide at great heights searching for food. ![]() High-Flying Speedsters – California condors are built for soaring.Once they find an appropriate partner they will mate for life. An unsuccessful pairing will “divorce,” and each bird will seek a more compatible mate. Monogamy, with Conditions – California condors are monogamous and mate for life – if they like their partner, that is. ![]() When the bird is alarmed, excited, or seeking a mate, blood will flow to the area turning the skin bright pink or red. Because they are bald, blood flow to the area can be seen under the skin without pesky feathers blocking the view. Chameleon Birds – By keeping that bald head and neck clean, condors can also communicate more effectively with others.This adaptation allows the birds to effectively clean themselves, which is vitally important to maintaining their health. Condors feeding on carcasses can dig into the rotting flesh without entangling debris in their feathers, because they don’t have any. While they may look ugly to you, this lack of feathers has a purpose for the birds. Bald is Beautiful – California condors, like many other vulture species, have a bald head and neck. ![]() After facing virtual extinction, these magnificent birds are soaring through the skies again thanks to successful captive breeding programs! Learn more about these unique birds, and their interesting adaptations below. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |