decades this magnificent species disappeared over most of its original range. By 1910, 

 the few survivors had taken refuge in the most inaccessible parts of the south-central 

 coast ranges in California. Condors are now strictly protected. A recent survey 

 (1953) by Karl B. Koford estimates that only about sixty condors remain alive. 

 These are in a small area in California. 



Breeding condors frequent the most remote areas, and their nesting sites are seldom 

 found. A single whitish egg is deposited in March or April on the bare rocks of a ledge 

 or cave that usually is inaccessible to man. Incubation requires about thirty days. 

 The fledgling is first covered with thick white down that is later replaced by gray 

 down. The first feathers appear during the fourth month, and the young bird is able 

 to leave the nest site when about six months old. The retarded breeding cycle of con- 

 dors largely accounts for their slow recovery as a species, even though they are now 

 rigidly protected. 



Like all other vultures, condors feed principally on carrion, which they detect by 

 sight. Although birds of powerful flight, condors have feet and claws ill-suited for 

 grasping. They are incapable of capturing live prey, or even of lifting much weight 

 from the ground. Nevertheless, their muscular power is phenomenal. On one occasion 

 four birds managed to drag the carcass of a young grizzly bear several hundred yards. 



43" 



