Distribution

California's southern Sierra Nevada, Coast Range from southern Monterey County to northern Los Angeles County. Also mountains of southern San Joaquin Valley.

Habitat

Mountains and surrounding areas.

Nesting

Inaccessible rocky or brushy cliffs, cave floor or cavity in giant sequoia. Egg laid on coarse gravel bed, with few leaves and twigs.

Threats

• DDT, other pesticides and lead
• Shooting by hunters
• Poisoning with bait intended for coyotes
• Harassment by humans
• Food scarcity
• Habitat destruction

Status and Conservation

Endangered, as listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After near extinction only two decades ago, the California Condor is making a slow comeback largely due to a successful captive breeding program.

Learn More:

Go to http://www.fws.gov/r9endspp/i/b0g.html.