Pronunciation: [kˈɒndɔː] (IPA) 
The word "condor" is spelled with a "c" and not a "k" due to its origin from the Spanish language. It is pronounced as /ˈkɒndɔːr/ with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription indicates that the "o" sound is pronounced as a short "o" followed by an "aw" sound. The use of IPA helps to accurately represent the sounds of the word, making it easier for people to understand and pronounce correctly.
Condor is a noun that refers to a large bird belonging to the New World vulture family, Cathartidae. Specifically, it denotes the two species of South American vultures, namely the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus).
These majestic birds are known for their impressive size and striking appearance. Adult condors can have a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3.3 meters), making them one of the largest flying birds in the world. They possess a distinctive black plumage, with a featherless head and neck, which often exhibits patches of bare skin in various colors such as red, yellow, or white. Additionally, their strong beak and elongated neck aid in feeding on carrion, their main source of sustenance.
Condors have keen eyesight and an exceptional ability to soar effortlessly for long distances using thermal air currents, often reaching altitudes of several thousand feet. They primarily inhabit mountainous and coastal areas, where they build their nests on cliffs or in caves. Furthermore, these birds exhibit monogamous breeding behavior and have relatively low reproductive rates, with females typically laying a single egg every other year.
Due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning, the condor population has drastically declined, leading both species to be listed as critically endangered. Extensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives, have been implemented to help protect and preserve these magnificent birds from extinction.
A large bird of prey-the vulture of S. Amer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "condor" originates from the Quechua language, which is spoken by indigenous people in the Andean region of South America. In Quechua, the word for "condor" is "cuntur". When Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America in the 16th century, they adopted the word "cuntur" and transformed it into "condor", which is the word commonly used in English and other languages today.
