California Condor

"With a 9 foot+ wingspan the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is truly a sight to see. They are the largest flying bird and can weigh over 20 pounds. They are the largest bird in North America. "Adults are black with striking white patches under their wings. They are vultures therefore their head is bald to prevent disease and infection from developing in feathers as the bird digs its head into animal carcasses. Which makes them Carrion Feeders not preditors. They have no enemies besides humans and the only preditor they have to contend with would be black bears. They lay one egg a year, can live up to sixty years in the wild and aren't mature until six or seven years of age. Which has been their downfall into extinction. By 1987, habitat degradation, poisoning, and shooting had nearly eliminated the California Condor in the wild. The 22 individuals remaining were captured for captive breeding programs, which are credited with the species' survival. California Condors are now being reintroduced into the wild each year." It is critical to ban lead containing amunition they feed on the carcuses left behind by hunters."