Many people wonder which is larger: condors or eagles. Both are impressive birds of prey with expansive wingspans. This comparison clarifies their differences in stature by examining their physical attributes.
The Definitive Size Comparison
Condors generally surpass most eagle species in overall size, particularly in wingspan and weight. The Andean Condor, for instance, is often considered the largest flying land bird globally by wingspan and average weight. While some large eagles, like the Harpy Eagle or Steller’s Sea Eagle, do not reach the maximum dimensions of condors, condors are indeed bigger when comparing the largest examples of each.
Condor Dimensions and Traits
Condors are among the largest flying birds. The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) has a wingspan up to 3.3 meters (10 feet 10 inches) and weighs up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds), with a body length of 100 to 130 centimeters (3 feet 3 inches to 4 feet 3 inches). The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) has a wingspan of 2.49 to 3 meters (8 feet 2 inches to 9 feet 10 inches) and weighs between 7 to 14.1 kilograms (15 to 31 pounds).
Both condor species have largely bald heads and necks, which can display colors from gray to yellow and bright orange in adults, especially during breeding season. They also possess a distinctive ruff of white feathers at the base of their neck. Their broad wings are adapted for soaring, allowing them to ride thermal updrafts for extended periods.
Eagle Dimensions and Traits
Eagles are a diverse group, with some species rivaling condors in specific dimensions. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) has a body length of 89–104 centimeters (35–41 inches) and a wingspan up to 2 meters (6.6 feet). Females, being larger, can weigh between 6.3 to 9 kilograms (13.8 to 19.8 pounds). Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) can reach weights of 9.5 kilograms (20.9 pounds) and wingspans up to 2.5 meters (8 feet 2 inches).
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has a wingspan from 1.85 to 2.2 meters (6 feet 1 inch to 7 feet 3 inches) and weighs between 2.9 to 6 kilograms (6.4 to 13.2 pounds). Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have a wingspan of 1.78 to 2.29 meters (5 feet 10 inches to 7 feet 6 inches) and weigh between 2.95 to 6.35 kilograms (6.5 to 14 pounds). Unlike condors, most eagles have feathered heads and powerful talons designed for hunting prey.
Observing Key Physical Differences
Beyond numerical size, several physical characteristics distinguish condors from eagles. Condors have bald or nearly bald heads and necks, which helps them stay clean while feeding on carrion. In contrast, most eagle species have fully feathered heads.
Their flight patterns also differ. Condors are strong soarers, utilizing thermal air currents to glide for hours with minimal wing flapping, often holding their wings in a flat or slightly dihedral (V-shaped) position. Eagles, while also capable of soaring, exhibit more active flapping flight, particularly when hunting or covering shorter distances. A condor in flight appears to have broad, stable wings, while eagles may appear more compact and agile.