The body of the California condor is black except for a triangle of white on the underside of the wing. Around the base of the neck is a thick collar of black feathers.

Their feet are coloured grey and the legs are pink. The head and neck is naked with colouration varying from gray to yellow and red. If they get it excited this will become more intensely coloured. The irises are brown. Find out more!

California condors may live for up to 60 years. This species is carnivorous. Their main food source is carrion with cattle being their favorite. They will also seek out the carcasses of deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, pigs, cougars, bears, whales, Californian sea lions, rabbits, weasels, gophers, foxes and coyotes.

It is rare that they eat a bird or reptile. In the past most of their food came from American bison and pronghorns but these are now rare meaning they are not used as a food source as frequently.

Due to not having a sense of smell this species will look around for other predators to find a carcass. When arriving at a carcass they will displace common ravens and turkey vultures. In turn golden eagles and coyotes force them away.

Some California condors may go without drinking for up to two days. They prefer clean water but may drink from stagnant pools.

They make their home on wooded mountains and in coniferous forests, oak savannas and the rocky scrublands. Often they will be found near cliffs and large trees where they can nest.

This species is monogamous and will mate for life. To attract a mate male condors perform a display during which his head will turn red and his wings spread out. With the neck feathers puffed out he will approach a female. In the event she submits to him her head will lower.