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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The world's 23 vulture species, including turkey vultures, black vultures and California condors (which are endangered) here in the U.S., have sharp vision to help them spot carrion from high above. Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Zoetis has previously developed bird flu vaccines, including one deployed last year to protect California condors. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 18 Feb. 2025 Bird conservation has thrived since then, with successes such as the California condor and the whooping crane. Tim Gallagher, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for California condor

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

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Cite this Entry

“California condor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/California%20condor. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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

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