About

With a wingspan reaching up to 9. 8 feet, it is one of the largest birds in the world. The California condor is known for its unique appearance, including a bald head, dark feathers, and a white collar of feathers around its neck. Historically, the condor was widespread across western North America, but due to various factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and lead poisoning, its population drastically declined. By the 1980s, there were only 27 known individuals left in the wild. In order to save the species from extinction, a captive breeding program was initiated, and through intensive conservation efforts, the population has slowly increased. As of 2021, there are over 500 California condors in the world, with around half of them living in the wild. Despite this progress, the California condor remains critically endangered and faces ongoing threats, including habitat fragmentation, electrocution from power lines, and ingestion of microtrash. Efforts are continuing to protect and recover this iconic bird species.