Colombian National Bird

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The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is found throughout the Andes regions of South America. It is one of the largest birds in the world with a wingspan of over 10.5 feet (3.5 meters). It is recognized for its ability to fly at great heights, and it has amazing stamina. In a day it can fly over 1,000 km. It is characterized by its longevity, and is therefore known as "the eternal bird." Another interesting feature is that it typically only flies on sunny days.

The Andean Condor symbolizes the Colombian people's freedom and sovereignty. It was selected as a national symbol in 1834.

Unfortunately, it is considered a near threatend species by the international Union for the Consevation of Species (IUCN), and it was placed on the US Endangered Species List in 1970. It is believed that fewer than 100 of them actually still live in Colombia. My Colombian husband saw his first Andean Condor in a zoo here in the U.S.

Some zoos participating in the Andean Condor Species Survival Plan are: San Diego Zoo (the Coordinator of the program), Denver Zoo (CO), Brookfield Zoo (IL), Beardsley Zoo (CT), Cincinnati Zoo (OH), Fort Worth Zoo (TX), Oregon Zoo, Zoo Boise (ID), and San Antonio Zoo (TX). You can find out more info, by googling the zoo and Andean Condor Species Survival Plan. You could also plan to take your child to a zoo where he/she can see the national bird for him/herself.


Get wall paper for your computer and learn more about the Andean Condor at the following National Geographic site.

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