| There Are Many Creatures Large And Small You Can Enjoy Reading About! |
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| The Andean Condor |
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| Copyright 2007-2012 All Rights Reserved - Kids' World News |
The Andean Condor is a species of bird in the vulture family. They are the
national symbol of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chili, Columbia and Ecuador.
The condor plays an important part in the folklore and mythology of the
Andean regions. They are the symbols of power and health by many
Andean cultures and it was believed that the bones and organs of the
Andean Condor possessed medicinal powers. In Andean mythology, the
Andean Condor was associated with the sun deity and was believed to be
the ruler of the upper world.
Found in the Andes Mountains, they have the largest wingspan of any land
bird. It’s approximately 10.5 feet! The condor is a large black bird. The
males typically weigh up to 33 pounds and the females up to 31 pounds.
Their overall length can reach from 39 to 53 inches. Condors have a ruff of
white feathers surrounding the base of their neck. The males also have
large white patches on their wings. The irises of the male’s eyes are brown
and the female’s eyes are deep red.
The condor is a scavenger, feeding primarily on carrion (which is the
carcass of a dead animal). They prefer large carcasses like those of deer
or cattle. They will also raid the nests of smaller birds to feed on the eggs.
The condor is one of the world’s longest living birds reaching a lifespan
of up to 100 years old in captivity.
national symbol of Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chili, Columbia and Ecuador.
The condor plays an important part in the folklore and mythology of the
Andean regions. They are the symbols of power and health by many
Andean cultures and it was believed that the bones and organs of the
Andean Condor possessed medicinal powers. In Andean mythology, the
Andean Condor was associated with the sun deity and was believed to be
the ruler of the upper world.
Found in the Andes Mountains, they have the largest wingspan of any land
bird. It’s approximately 10.5 feet! The condor is a large black bird. The
males typically weigh up to 33 pounds and the females up to 31 pounds.
Their overall length can reach from 39 to 53 inches. Condors have a ruff of
white feathers surrounding the base of their neck. The males also have
large white patches on their wings. The irises of the male’s eyes are brown
and the female’s eyes are deep red.
The condor is a scavenger, feeding primarily on carrion (which is the
carcass of a dead animal). They prefer large carcasses like those of deer
or cattle. They will also raid the nests of smaller birds to feed on the eggs.
The condor is one of the world’s longest living birds reaching a lifespan
of up to 100 years old in captivity.
| The Andean Flamingos |
The Andean Flamingo is one of the rarest flamingos in the world. It has a
pale pink body with brighter upperparts, deep pink head, neck, and
breast. As young birds, they are grey in color but their plumage slowly
turns pink as they mature. It’s the only flamingo with yellow legs and three-
toed feet. Their bill is pale yellow and black.
Andean Flamingos have a loud honking call that is similar to that of a
goose. They also communicate using a wing salute, stretching up their
neck and flipping up their tail.
Native to the high Andes mountain range, they are found in the lakes and
lagoons. They form flocks containing thousands of individuals. These
flamingos are a migratory bird with the ability to travel up to 700 miles in
one day.
The Andean Flamingos are filter feeders and mainly feed on diatoms
and algae.
pale pink body with brighter upperparts, deep pink head, neck, and
breast. As young birds, they are grey in color but their plumage slowly
turns pink as they mature. It’s the only flamingo with yellow legs and three-
toed feet. Their bill is pale yellow and black.
Andean Flamingos have a loud honking call that is similar to that of a
goose. They also communicate using a wing salute, stretching up their
neck and flipping up their tail.
Native to the high Andes mountain range, they are found in the lakes and
lagoons. They form flocks containing thousands of individuals. These
flamingos are a migratory bird with the ability to travel up to 700 miles in
one day.
The Andean Flamingos are filter feeders and mainly feed on diatoms
and algae.
