Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Advnture
Advnture
Julia Clarke

Where can I see a California condor in the wild?

Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography

For most bird watchers, there are few winged treasures more greatly prized than the mighty California condor. These giant birds were nearly extinct only 40 years ago, but extensive conservation efforts have boosted their population and today keen wildlife fans can travel out west in the fall to catch a glimpse of them floating through the skies. Read on to discover what makes the California condor so special, and how you can see one in the wild. 

What is a California condor? 

A California condor is a New World vulture and is the largest North American land bird with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet. These carnivorous scavengers have black plumage with patches of white on the underside of their wings and bald heads which are yellow or orange in mating adults. California condors can live for up to 60 years in rocky shrubland, coniferous forest and oak savannah where they nest in cliffs and tall trees. Because California condor’s don’t have a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, they don’t have a call but rather they hiss and grunt. 

A California condor is a New World vulture and is the largest North American land bird with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet (Image credit: Getty Images)

Why are the California condors endangered? 

The population of California condors dwindled dramatically in the 20th century due to poaching, loss of habitat and lead poisoning, which is common from bullets in meat that they scavenge. By 1987, the US government set a conservation plan in action to capture all remaining condors in the wild. Just 27 birds were captured and placed in San Diego and Los Angeles zoos.

Today, most California condors are bred in captivity, then released into the wild, however they are starting to nest in the wild. California condors lay just one egg at a time, so restoring wild nesting will take time. They now number more than 500, and remain a critically endangered species.

Are California condors aggressive? 

It’s always good practice to ask questions about an animal’s behavior, especially when the beast is as sizable as a condor. Condors have been observed to be aggressive towards other predators like golden eagles as well as ravens near their nests, but they don’t pose any risk to humans unless you’re planning on climbing up to one of their nests. Practice wildlife safety and enjoy these birds from afar. 

(Image credit: Adam Jones)

Where is the best place to see condors in the wild? 

California condors are among the rarest birds in the world and to see one in real life is an extremely special experience. Wild California condors glide through the skies above California, Arizona and Utah, however because they are so few in number, your best chances of seeing one are to position yourself near canyons and cliffs near a release site in September and October. The following are some of the best sites to see a California condor:

How to view a California condor  

If you’re heading to one of the above locations in the hopes of seeing a condor, it’s a good idea not to get your hopes up too high as sightings are not guaranteed. When you arrive, speak to a park ranger about optimal viewing times and sights. 

Getting to a good viewing sight might involve strenuous hiking and the temperatures can still be warm in the fall. Dress in breathable hiking layers, carry a water bottle, wear proper footwear such as hiking boots and practice proper sun protection. Finally, don’t forget to bring your binoculars, so you can get a proper look at these soaring giants, and your camera to capture your memories.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.