Andean Condor
Vultur gryphus
The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world by combined wingspan and weight, with a wingspan exceeding 3 meters. It is the national bird of Ecuador and a symbol of the Andes. Adult males are distinguished by their white neck ruff and large fleshy comb on top of the head.
At Antisana Ecological Reserve, located at 4,000 meters east of Quito, condors soar over the volcanic páramo in search of carrion. The reserve is one of the most reliable sites in all of South America to observe this magnificent raptor. On a typical visit, 3–8 individuals may be seen circling on thermal updrafts against the backdrop of the snow-capped Antisana volcano.
The Andean Condor is classified as Vulnerable, with an estimated population of only 100–150 individuals in Ecuador. Our Antisana day trip combines condor watching with the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbird and other high-altitude specialties.