Andean condors are big birds! So, when one decides they want your popsicle, the best thing you can do is let them have it. In this extraordinary clip, an Andean condor in an animal park is on a mission to secure a cooling popsicle. Take a look for yourself in this extraordinary YouTube clip, then read on to discover more about these incredible birds that can have a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet.
Where Do Andean Condors Live?
Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) belong to the New World vultures and condors family (Cathartidae). They can be found over most of western South America, so that includes Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. They like to live in mountains and deserts, highland prairies, and coastal regions at elevations up to 5,500 meters. They prefer wide open areas and typically build their nests on small rock ledges or in caves. After launching themselves from these high perches, they can soar for hours by riding natural thermals, conserving energy.
Andean Condor Diet
The Andean Condor can soar for 200 miles.
©Gus Martinie/Shutterstock.com
When condors are soaring at high altitudes, they are scanning the open landscape for food. Some travel for 200 miles a day. These birds forage for food by sight and are primarily scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of dead animals. They use their powerful beaks to tear into the tough hide of dead llamas, alpacas, guanacos, rheas, and armadillos. However, they will also feed on dead domestic animals such as cows and sheep, as well as animals introduced into the area for sport, such as foxes and wild boars. They will have a go at hunting live prey, including birds and rabbits, but they are not that good at it. They have been seen grabbing live prey and trying to feed on it before it is dead.
How Do Andean Condors Feel About Humans?
It is not unusual to find these birds in zoos. They have provided zookeepers with valuable experience in handling large captive birds. The San Diego Zoo received its first Andean condor in 1929. One infamous individual was called Bum. He had been hand-raised in Germany and liked to play with his human companions. However, they had to be careful because Bum’s large wingspan and sharp beak put them at risk of injury during the games. Nevertheless, Bum’s favorite game was to stand on the chest of his favorite wildlife care specialist!
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