This national bird of Chile is arguably the largest flying bird in the world. A few seabirds have a greater wingspan, but they are smaller in weight. It is the only member of the Vultur genus characterized by all dark color below and a distinctive white ruff. This species formerly ranged throughout the Andes, but has declined particularly in the north where reintroduction efforts are under way. It is primarily a denizen of high elevations, although some descend to the seacoast, especially in Peru and northern Chile where they may feed on marine mammal carcases. With a world population estimated at 6700 and continuing declines, this species is listed as near threatened by IUCN. Secondary poisoning and human persecution based on claims that they attack livestock remain serious threats. Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.
References:
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), In Neotropical Birds Online (, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. retrieved from Neotropical Birds Online: https://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/andcon1
BirdLife International. 2017. Vultur gryphus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22697641A117360971. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22697641A117360971.en. Downloaded on 13 April 2018.
Houston, D., Kirwan, G.M., Christie, D.A. & Sharpe, C.J. (2018). Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/52946 on 14 April 2018).