To see a condor gliding in to land on the face of a cliff is a splendid sight, as it soars gracefully on motionless wings, and at the right moment, drops its landing gear (its feet), brakes with its wings, raises and spreads its tail, and then lands.

There are two species of condor: California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) and Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). Condors are related to North American and South American vultures (of which there are five species). All have naked heads, large hooked beaks and huge wings.

The black, grey and white Andean Condor ranges in size from 110 to 130 cm (43 to 51 in.) long and has a wingspan of about 3 m (10 ft). For the most part, females are about 10 kg (22 lb.), and males are about 12.5 kg (27.5 lb.).

The Andean Condor lives in the Andes at heights of 3000 to 5500 m (9,800 to 18,00 ft.), but it is also found on the rocky seacoasts of Peru and Chile. They are often seen soaring in search of carrion.