1. AndeanCondor FOR: ANDRES FELIPE CAMERO MONTAÑA ONCE-A

2. Description The Andean condor is recognized as one of the largest flyingbirds in the world after the wandering albatross. Adults measure up to 142 cm tall and between 270 and 330 cm wingspan, and weigh 11 to 15 kg males and 8 females to 11 kg. They have thebare head and relatively small, usually red in color, although it can change depending on the mood of the animal, very cuttingedge peak and ended hook. The wings are long and wide, and feet, not prehensile, have short nails and some curves, and the insertion of the hind toe high. They are adapted for walking andfor holding the carcass. They reach sexual maturity at about eight years. The plumage of both sexes is brown in successive moultsto reach the characteristic bluish-black plumage of adults.Highlights a broad white band on the back of the wings and acrisp white collar does not completely closed in front, protectsthe bare skin of the neck.

3. Behavior Roosts Roosts shared by adult, sub-adults and juveniles of both sexes aregenerally located on high cliffs and protected from rain, wind and potential predators. In most cases observed preferred roosts andperches, and thus played are those who receive early sunlight.Since the carcass is distributed randomly, the animals used repeatedly in several places of rest or overnight depending on the availability of food in the area reaching concentrations up to 124 individuals. Feeding The condor feeds on dead animals. After locating carrion, the condors will not go down to eat immediately but merely to fly over or land on any place where it is clear. One or two days may passuntil finally come. Begin feeding on the most accessible or softbodies, ie, eyes, tongue, anus, udder or testicles, abdomen andgroin. With its strong, sharp beaks open tear tissues andadditionally hides what facilitates the use of the piece byscavengers minor. A condor may eat about 5 pounds of meat a day and also can fast up to five weeks

4. Reproduction In natural environment, one of the least known aspects of the condor is the question of reproduction. Condors are basicallymonogamous, that is, choose a mate and stay with it for life. Just in case one of us dies, the other seeks a new partner. The reproductive cycle of the condor, including courtship, mating, incubation and chick lifting up their emancipation takes abouttwo or three years. The species has the longest incubation period in birds of prey, at the time of estrus or heat commonlyreddish color of the skin of the head are yellowing. After 56 to 60 days of incubation shared the chick is born which is fed by both parents with regurgitated meat. At six months and try to take their first flights in the immediate area of ​​his birthplace and nine thejuvenile is ready to accompany their parents on their flights.Them assimilate the basic behaviors for survival. After a year and a half or two joins the local population, and dispute a place in the carcass.

5. Distribution The Andean condor is distributed along the Andes from southernTierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile) to western Venezuela,the maximum area of ​​spread eastward reaching Argentina is located in the Ocean Atlantic provinces of Santa Cruz, Chubutand Rio Black, then touches the mountains found in the westernprovince of La Pampa and the Sierras de Córdoba (occasionallybeen reported sightings in the Sierra de la Ventana is located in the southeast Buenos Aires province). However, Venezuela was declared extinct, and in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador natural populations have declined.

6. Threats Andean condor populations have suffered in recent decades an alarming decline throughout its distribution. There are no reliable historical censuses for each country that would allow a perfectly clear idea of the situation. However, the status of the specieshas become critical in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru,countries of the northern Andes.In Colombia and Venezuela are underway at presentreforestation projects in areas historically inhabited by condorsand which were removed in the s. XX. With the study of historical records, we can say that the population density of the specieswas always lower in the northern end of its range (northern Andes) compared to the South, perhaps partly due to countries like Bolivia, Chile Argentina have vast territories and relatively empty of humans and habitat for the species.

7. The mysticism of his death The Incas believed that the condor was immortal. According tothe myth has, when the animal feels it begins to age and that his forces will end up, sits on the highest peak in and out of the mountains, folded wings, legs and picks up the drop to the bottom against the bottom of streams, where it ends his reign.This death is symbolic, as in this act the condor returns to the nest, the mountains, where it is reborn into a new cycle, a new life. The condor symbolizes strength, intelligence and exaltationor excitement. An animal was respected by all who lived in the Andes since before the discovery of America, as it not onlybrought good and bad omens, but was also responsible for the sun to rise each morning, then their energy could taking the sunrises over the mountains and starting the cycle.

8. Symbolism It appears as a national symbol in the arms of the Republics ofBolivia (search for limitless horizons), Chile (force), Colombia(Liberty and Order), Ecuador (power, grandeur and value). It also appears in Merida State (Venezuela) (attitude take flight) and the first coat of Peru (1820). He's featured in the shield of Hispanicrepresented by the Eagle of St. John.