Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very large vulture: A condor is a type of large scavenging bird of prey, known for its immense size and broad wingspan.
   • The largest flying birds in the Western Hemisphere: This term specifically refers to the two species of New World vultures found in the Americas, which are among the world's largest flying birds by wingspan and weight.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Andean condor soared high above the mountain peaks.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the California condor.

Advanced Usage

• "To be as rare as a condor": Used informally to describe something extremely scarce or endangered.
  • Original copies of that book are as rare as a condor.
• Symbolic Use: The condor is often used as a national symbol in South American countries, representing power, health, and liberty.
  • The condor on the coat of arms represents the heights of the Andes.

Variants and Related Words

• Condor is typically used as is. The two primary species are the Andean condor () and the California condor ().
• Vulture (n): A general term for scavenging birds of prey, which includes condors.
• Raptor (n): A bird of prey, a category that includes condors, eagles, and hawks.

Synonyms

• Vulture: A scavenging bird of prey.
• Scavenger: An animal that feeds on dead organic material.
• Bird of prey: A bird that hunts and feeds on other animals (though condors are primarily scavengers).

Related Phrases

• Condor's nest: Refers to the nesting site of a condor, often on high, inaccessible cliffs.
  • The biologists located a condor's nest on the remote cliff face.
• Condor release program: A phrase associated with conservation projects that breed and reintroduce condors into the wild.
  • She works for a condor release program in Arizona.

Related Idioms

• To have the eyes of a condor: To have exceptionally sharp or far-seeing vision.
  • The detective had the eyes of a condor, noticing the smallest clue.
• A condor's shadow: Can imply something large, imposing, or foreboding.
  • The threat of recession cast a condor's shadow over the market.

Noun

1. the largest flying birds in the western hemisphere