California Condor Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesCalifornia Condor
Adult
Very large with long, broad wings with long "fingers." Adults are black with striking white patches under the wings.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 04, 2011Adult
North America's largest bird species. Adult is black with a pinkish head and neck. A captive breeding program started in the 1980s, when only 22 California Condors remained, brought this species back from the brink of extinction.
© Andrea C / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 03, 2022Adult
Soars on very long and broad wings with its "fingers" extended and rarely flaps.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, June 26, 2012Adult
The head is naked, yellowish orange or pinkish bordered by what looks like a feather boa.
© Todd Plummer / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 19, 2017Similar SpeciesTurkey Vulture
Adult (Northern)
Turkey Vultures are smaller than California Condors with white (not black) primaries and secondaries.
© Matt Davis / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 01, 2017Similar SpeciesTurkey Vulture
Adult (Northern)
Turkey Vultures are smaller than California Condors with a feathered neck.
© Abhishek Kambhampati / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 09, 2017Similar SpeciesGolden Eagle
Adult
Golden Eagles are smaller than California Condors and lack the continuous white patches on the inner wing that Condors have.
© Jeff Bleam / Macaulay LibraryNevada, April 06, 2017Similar SpeciesBald Eagle
Adult
Bald Eagles are smaller than California Condors with a white head and tail.
© Steven Mlodinow / Macaulay LibraryColorado, January 10, 2017Similar SpeciesRed-tailed Hawk
Adult (borealis)
Red-tailed Hawks are smaller than California Condors with much shorter wings.
© Jonathan Eckerson / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 18, 2017Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
New World Vultures(Order: Cathartiformes, Family: Cathartidae)
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