California Condor
Gymnogyps californianus
California condors are scavengers, seeking out carrion with their powerful sense of smell. Poking around in rotting, putrid carcasses can get pretty messy, but the lack of feathers on a condor’s head keeps decaying guts from sticking. In addition to helping them stay clean, a condor’s bald head may flush to a bright red color when irritated or excited.

Energy Efficient Gliders
California Condors hold the record as the largest flying bird in North America with a wingspan of up to 11 feet. Using their huge wings to glide on warm thermal air currents, they can travel great distances while expending very little energy.