The California Condor is the largest North American bird, with a wingspan reaching up to 9.8 feet. It inhabits rocky shrubland, coniferous forests, and oak savannas in the western United States. Known for its soaring flight, it plays a crucial role as a scavenger.

The Gymnogyps californianus, commonly known as the California condor, is native to the western United States. Historically, its range extended from California to Florida and Western Canada to Northern Mexico. However, by the late 20th century, their range was limited primarily to California. Conservation efforts have reintroduced the species to other areas, including parts of Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico.

California condors typically inhabit mountainous regions, rocky shrubland, and coniferous forests. They are often found in areas with large expanses of open terrain, which are essential for their soaring flight patterns. The climate in these areas ranges from temperate to semi-arid, with variations depending on the specific geographical location.

As scavengers, California condors play a critical role in their ecosystem by feeding on carrion. They prefer large carcasses from mammals such as deer, cattle, and sheep. Their ecological niche involves cleaning up dead animal matter and preventing the spread of disease. The species is highly adapted to soaring long distances with minimal energy expenditure, allowing them to locate food sources over large areas.