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Air Condor

Short answer: Andean and California condors have wingspans of up to about 3 meters (10 feet). They ride thermals, columns of warm air rising from sun-heated ground and slopes, and ridge lift along mountains, gliding long distances with little energy while searching for carrion.

The footage, credited to webnectarphoto, shows a condor soaring over mountains.

VideoWrite-up2 sources
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What should you know about Air Condor?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Andean, California.

    DD-493-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Species)

  2. Up to about 3 m.

    DD-493-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan)

Video transcript: Air Condor: Condors Can Soar for Hours With Barely a Wingbeat

Did you know? Condors, such as the Andean and California condors, are masters of mountain flight, using their massive wingspans, reaching up to 10 feet, to soar effortlessly over rugged terrain. These birds rely on thermal updrafts, warm air rising from the sun-heated slopes, to glide with minimal energy expenditure. This allows them to cover vast distances while searching for carrion, their primary food source. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 20.8s Reel ·

Video coming soonAir Condor · Instagram Reel
Air Condor: Condors Can Soar for Hours With Barely a Wingbeat Instagram Reel · · 20.8s

The write-up

Condors can soar for hours with barely a wingbeat. Rising warm air does the lifting.

  1. Exhibit A

    Species

    Andean, California.

  2. Exhibit B

    Wingspan

    Up to about 3 m.

  3. Exhibit C

    Lift

    Thermals.

  4. Exhibit D

    Effort

    Minimal flapping.

  5. Exhibit E

    Food

    Carrion.

Questions people ask about Air Condor

Wingspan up to?

Huge.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Species) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

What lifts them?

Warm air.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

Food?

Scavengers.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Lift) · Wikipedia: Thermal

Energy use?

Gliding.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Effort) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

A species?

South America.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Food) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. Wingspan up to?

    1. About 10 ft
    2. 3 ft
    3. 20 ft
    4. 1 ft
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About 10 ft Huge. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Species) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

  2. What lifts them?

    1. Thermals
    2. Rain
    3. Snow
    4. Fog
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Thermals Warm air. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

  3. Food?

    1. Carrion
    2. Fruit
    3. Fish only
    4. Seeds
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Carrion Scavengers. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Lift) · Wikipedia: Thermal

  4. Energy use?

    1. Minimal
    2. High
    3. Constant flapping
    4. None
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Minimal Gliding. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Effort) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

  5. A species?

    1. Andean condor
    2. Bald eagle
    3. Pigeon
    4. Swift
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Andean condor South America. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Food) · Wikipedia: Andean condor

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Air Condor." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-493, last updated Feb 20, 2025. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/air-condor/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/air-condor/ · Last updated

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