A large scavenging bird that travels on broad soaring wings.
Adults are black with white patches beneath the wings. Immatures have dark heads and mottled underwing patches.
California Condors scavenge carcasses that may contain fragments of lead ammunition. Eating the fragments exposes birds to poisoning, a major barrier to recovery.
A 2026 study modelled changing mortality in reintroduced populations. Estimated lead-death probability increased over time, especially in central California; age-related foraging was proposed as one explanation for greater adult impacts.
Chicks also face small rubbish brought to nests by parents, which can obstruct digestion. Recovery involves reducing hazardous material in food as well as releasing and monitoring birds.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Lead poisoning, microtrash and powerline-related accidents are threats. Recovery work emphasises non-lead alternatives and reducing hazardous debris.