BIRDGACHA / FIELD NOTES
New World Vultures
New World vultures and condors are large soaring birds with broad wings, hooked bills and heads that are largely bare of feathers. Dark plumage predominates, but pale wing panels, body colour, head colour and tail proportions distinguish the different species. Examples include California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa), and Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). Carrion is their principal food, and rising air allows them to search large areas with relatively little flapping. Compare the underwing pattern and tail length while a bird circles overhead in steady light.
How to recognize New World Vultures
- Look for broad wings, a hooked bill and a mostly bare head.
- Compare pale underwing areas with tail length and wing posture.
- Check the continent and local range before choosing a vulture name.
Where they live
The family occurs in the Americas, from North America to the southern end of South America. Mountains, forest, grassland, dry country and coastlines all support members of this family where feeding and resting conditions are suitable. Species differ greatly in range, and cliffs or trees can provide important nesting or communal roosting sites. A soaring bird may cross several habitats during one flight, so identify its proportions rather than relying only on the ground below.
Species accounts: California Condor · King Vulture · Andean Condor
Sources — natural history: University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web: New World vultures · Cornell Birds of the World: California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), species natural history.
Classification: IOC World Bird List: family names and classification.
Some Cornell Birds of the World account sections require a subscription.
Updated 2026-11-06. Species counts follow this site's catalogue. This is an editorial summary, not an expert peer review.
Species records retain their original English, Chinese and scientific names.
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