Cathartidae

; class Aves, order Falconiformes)

A family of large, long-winged, brownishblack vultures that have bare heads which are often coloured. Their nostrils are perforate and many have a ruff of feathers around their neck. Their feet are weak with a small hind toe. They inhabit forests, mountains, and plains, feeding on carrion and nesting in caves or hollow trees. Gymnogyps californianus (California condor) is nearly extinct; Vultur gryphus (Andean condor) is the largest of all birds of prey. There are five genera, with eight species, found in N., Central, and S. America.