Colombia

What is the National Animal of Colombia?

national animal

andean condor – colombia national animal

The Andean Condor is a symbol of power, beauty and freedom, and it’s also considered a sacred bird by the Andean civilizations. The Andean condor is a national animal of Colombia, which has several important mythological stories related to this magnificent bird.

The Andean Condor is known as “the most majestic bird in the world”, due both to its size and its impressive intelligence. It also has a close resemblance to some dinosaurs. Its wingspan can reach up to 3 meters (9 ft 10 in) across, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world alongside some members of the stork family (Ciconiidae).

Andean Condor Scientific Classification

Class: Aves (Birds)
Species: gryphus
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Cathartidae

Physical Description

The Andean condor is a large South American bird that has a wingspan of over 7 feet. It is the heaviest flying bird in the world and can weigh up to 27 pounds. These birds are dark brown in color with white patches on their wings and necks. The adult males have blackish heads while the females have lighter colored heads with dark brown stripes.

Andean Condor Interesting Facts

  • The Andean condor is the official and native bird of Colombia
  • They are endangered because they are killed by farmers who believe that they spread disease among their livestock
  • They feed on carrion which includes dead animals like rabbits, sheep, and cows
  • The life expectancy of these birds is about 50 years but some individuals have been known to live for 80 years or more
  • Diet: Andean condors are scavengers. They can eat up to 10 lbs of carrion in one sitting. They often feed on the carcasses of deer, llamas, and other large mammals. They also eat smaller birds and rodents.
  • Weight: The average weight of an adult Andean Condor is about 28 pounds, which is about as heavy as most full grown men. Their wingspan is 6-7 feet wide.
  • Speed: Condors fly at a speed of 50 miles per hour while in flight, but they can only glide for short distances without flapping their wings. They are able to fly up to 6000 feet high into the air without flapping their wings once! It takes them about an hour to climb that high though.

Why is Andean Condor the national animal of Colombia?

Andean Condor has been choses as the native animal of Colombia because it is one of the largest flying birds, it is a symbol of freedom, strength and courage. It can live up to 50 years. Andean Condors are very social birds, they nest in large colonies, and they feed on carrion (dead animals). They have a very keen sense of smell and sight so they can easily locate carcasses from a great distance. Due to all these facts qualities Andean condor officially declared as the Colombia’s national animal.