Also known as the California vulture, the California condor (Gymnogpyps californianus) is the only condor species in North America. This bird is native to Southern and Central California, but has been reintroduced to the Grand Canyon region of Arizona. California condors live in rocky terrains, such as gorges, canyons and mountain ranges. Caves and cliffs are the primary nesting areas for California condors. The name "California condor" derives from the word cuntur, which is the Spanish word for condor. The term "condor" is Incan in origin.
Native to South America, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) has a 10-foot-wide wingspan, one of the widest wingspans in the world. The Andean condor lives in the Andes Mountains, a mountain range with South American nations such as Chile, Argentina and Peru. Some populations are found near South America's Pacific Coast. Male Andean condors feature a ring of white feathers, or "collars," around their necks. Andean condors have heavy bodies -- some specimens weigh over 30 lbs. -- and require heavy wind gusts for gliding due to their mass.
Condors are larger than other vultures, so they prefer eating large, deceased game such as deer, cattle and wild cats. Coastal Andean condors dine on dead seals and fish. Even though they usually eat carrion, condors sometimes prey on bird eggs and baby birds. Due to their size, condors will also bully other vultures away from carrion. Since they eat large carrion, condors do not eat every day.
Like other vultures, the California and Andean condors have bald heads with little to no feathers. When eating their prey, condors stick their heads into the carrion. If condors had feathers on their heads, they would get raw meat on their feathers. California condors have pink heads, while Andean condor heads are a dark red or brown. Condors also have strong immune systems, which prevent them from getting sick by eating carrion. Both condors also have sharp beaks for tearing up meat. However, California and Andean talons are not as powerful as other birds of prey, since they do not usually have to grab and kill their prey.