California Condor
One of the rarest bird species in the world, the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is the only remaining member of its genus. The largest flying bird in North America. Their wings may stretch nearly 10 feet (3 meters) from tip to tip. Condors are so large that they can be mistaken for a small, distant airplane. When in flight, these huge birds glide on air currents to soar as high as a dizzying 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). Adult condor males and females are identical in size and plumage, weigh between 17–24 pounds (7–11 kilograms). It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 60 years.
The California Condor is currently listed as Critically Endangered, since their numbers dramatically declined in the 20th century due to poaching, lead poisoning, and habitat destruction, as well as the fact that they do not reach breeding maturity until 6-8 years old and only lay one egg every other year. They became extinct in the wild in 1987 (all remaining wild individuals were captured for conservation measures). Numbers rose through captive breeding and, beginning in 1991, condors were reintroduced into the wild. While still Critically Endangered, as of October 2014 there are 425 condors living wild or in captivity.
source: http://www.fws.gov/
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