California Condors were sacred to Native American tribes but nearly went extinct by the 1970s due to human activity. A successful captive breeding program established in the 1980s helped boost the population, with over 400 condors now existing worldwide, more than half in the wild. Despite being endangered, the California Condor population has increased dramatically from intensive conservation efforts.

2. For centuries, California Condors were
considered sacred by Native American tribes
of the Southwest. Once plentiful around the
Grand Canyon, condor populations dwindled
as a result of human interaction, and nearly
became extinct by the 1970s. Thanks to a
successful captive breeding program
undertaken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, today California Condor numbers are
up, and this beautiful bird is once more free to
soar over the cliffs of the Grand Canyon.

3. The name “California Condor” pertains to the
species’ range. These birds have historically
inhabited remote locations throughout
California, including areas of the Central Coast
like Big Sur and the rocky crags of Pinnacles
National Park near Soledad. They can also be
found in Southern California (in locations like
the Sespe Wilderness in Ventura County), as
well as parts of Arizona.
Today, California Condors are commonly
attributed to the Grand Canyon, due to a
breeding and recovery program based nearby.

4. Condors do not build nests.
When they aren’t soaring the
skies in search of food, they
spend most of their time perched
at a roost. They prefer to live in
rocky, forested regions, so roost
sites can include cliffs, tall
conifers, and mountain peaks.

5. The California Condor is the largest land bird in North America, featuring a massive
wingspan that dwarfs the arm span of most human beings!
• Body Size: 3.5 to 4.5 feet
• Wingspan: 9 to 10 feet
• Weight: 18 to 31 pounds

6. California Condors spend
most of the day soaring
along currents of air,
which allows them to
search for food while
expending very little
energy. With this method,
birds can travel 100 miles
or more per day. To find
food, condors use their
incredible eyesight, as
their sense of smell is
quite weak compared to
other species of birds.

7. Condors are in the same
family as vultures, and
therefore share similar
eating habits. Both are
scavengers that feed
exclusively on the
carcasses of mammals
like deer, cattle, rabbits,
and rodents. The
process of scavenging
helps break down
organic matter to be
returned to the earth as
beneficial nutrients. Not
only does this keep
ecosystems clear of
dead animals, but also
plays an instrumental
role in the circle of life.

8. Unlike most birds, California Condors do not build nests. Instead, a simple roost is fashioned
inside caves or tree cavities. Whereas other birds may lay several eggs to increase the
number of babies that are reared to adulthood, condors instead produce very few young
and provide an extensive amount of parental care. Female condors only lay a single egg
every other year, and, when hatched, stay with the baby for several months.

9. As a result of the continued downward
spiral of wild condor populations, a
breeding program was established in the
1980s by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Due to the fastidious efforts of condor
caretakers, the captive population increased
dramatically from 27 birds in 1987, to the
177 or so that are currently being held.
Release efforts began in 1992 and continue
to this day. Around 400 California Condors
exist worldwide today, with more than half
living in the wild. Although still endangered,
they've come a long way.

10. Scenic Airlines is the largest and most
experienced aerial tour operator in the world.
Started in 1967, the company showcases the
most impressive landscapes of the Southwest’s
beautiful National Parks, specializing in Grand
Canyon air tours. Scenic Airlines also develops
customized airplane tours for groups, companies,
or incentive programs. For more info, visit
http://www.scenic.com/ or call 800-634-6801.

11. • Slide 4: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/california-condor/
• Slide 6: http://www.defenders.org/california-condor/basic-facts
• Slide 9: http://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/condor-re-introduction.htm