California condor

noun

Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌka-lə-ˈfȯr-nyə- How to pronounce California condor (audio)
: a large nearly extinct vulture (Gymnogyps californianus) found most recently in the mountains of southern California that is related to the condor of South America

Illustration of California condor

Illustration of california condor

Examples of California condor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the 1980s, the California condor faced dire threats from poisoning and habitat loss, leaving just 22 individuals alive in North America. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024 The park also preserves ancient volcanic landscapes and is a sanctuary for California condors. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The smaller, red-headed cousin of the California condor, the turkey vulture sports a wingspan of a mere 6 feet as opposed to the condor's nearly 10-foot spread. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024 Also, several local groups will be on hand, including Friends of California Condors Wild and Free, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California condor recovery program and the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for California condor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'California condor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

California, state of U.S.

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of California condor was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near California condor

Cite this Entry

“California condor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20condor. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

California condor

noun
Cal·​i·​for·​nia condor ˌkal-ə-ˌfȯr-nyə- How to pronounce California condor (audio)
: a very large nearly extinct vulture of mountainous southern California that is related to the condor of South America

More from Merriam-Webster on California condor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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