Andean Condor

Who They Are

Suyana (Swee-yah-nuh): Hatched in 2007, Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)

Where They Originate

As their name suggests, Andean condors are found in South America in the Andes and the Santa Marta Mountains. They can be found as far south as Argentina and southern Chile up to Columbia and are very rare in Venezuela

Their Role at Avian Behavior Conservancy

Suyana is one of four vultures at the Avian Behavior Conservancy. Getting to see a condor fly may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity, much less see one in real life. She helps us raise critical funds for International Vulture Awareness Day, held on the first Saturday of September, and she changes hearts and minds for those that meet her on the true value of a vulture in the ecosystem. Avian Behavior Conservancy intends to have free programs highlighting scavenger importance in the community and needs partnership support to make this happen.

How You Can Meet Her

You can meet her on every farm and aviary tour, but to know her is to see her fly! Ask us about a Conservation Experience or Elite Bird Experience.  You can also help support our free scavenger outreach programs through a donation.

Likes and Dislikes

Likes: Food and flying

Dislikes: Anyone who gets between her and food and a stiff tail wind.

What You Might Not Know About These Birds

Andean condors are the only vultures that are sexually dimorphic, with the males having a large comb and also being larger than the females.

Inland birds will consume vegetative matter from the digestive tract of the carrion they consume, and the carotenoids can pigment the skin of males yellow, especially when they flush it in displays during courtship.