(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Jose A. Benzaquen Perea, Ambassador of Peru to Qatar
There is a bird of unique greatness that lives in the Andean mountains of South America and it is characterised by its majesty in its flight at heights of over 4,000 metres above sea level and with a displacement at great distances from its nest.
This bird is the Andean condor, scientifically known as vultur gryphus, and is recorded as the largest non-marine bird in the world, and can be seen among the mountains, canyons, and valleys formed thousands of years before the appearance of the human being.
The Andean condor is one of the most characteristic birds of Peru because it is related to its culture and traditions.
With more than three metres of wingspan, the Andean condor marks its territory and lives in what was the Inca civilisation in South America.
The etymological origin of its name derives from the Quechua language“Kundur,” and its mean the largest of the birds.
It is a black carrion bird with an imposing body, adorned with white feathers on its neck, as well as on its wings, which allows it to fly at a speed of approximately 70km per hour, with long stretches in which it only glides, controlling skillfully the currents of the wind, flying kilometres without moving the wings.
This is truly a spectacle to see in that magnificent landscape that nature has created for these imposing animals that accompany us on the planet; with 1.45 cm in height and 15 kilograms in weight, without feathers on the head, which are usually reddish.
The Andean condor can live up to 75 years and when that time comes to say goodbye, it plummets from the hills into the void, after having witnessed so many experiences that we still hope to know, because we know little about the animals that mother nature preserves.
They are usually monogamous and the chicks at nine months can fly, and at two years they can already look for their own sustenance. It also belongs to the Catartidae family of birds which includes seven species.
Currently, the Andean condor is a cultural heritage of America and is considered endangered due to the loss of its habitat.
It is a national symbol in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, the national bird of Colombia, the famous bird in Argentina, and a natural monument in Chile.
Two of its largest habitats are found in the territories of Peru: the Colca Valley of Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Cuzco. It is also possible to see it in the regions of Amazonas, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, Moquegua, Tacna and Puno.
Likewise, in the north of Argentina, there is also a significant number, as well as in Venezuelan lands.
It should be noted that the Andean condor symbolised strength, intelligence and exaltation was respected by those who lived in these Andean lands and was represented in the Peruvian Cultures of Tiahuanaco, Chavín, Wari, Paracas, Nasca, among others.
Observing the Andean condor in person in its natural majesty is a unique and unforgettable experience that can be discovered when you have the opportunity to visit Peru.
Lastly, I must emphasise that the Andean condor was the inspiration for a beautiful song entitled“El Cóndor Pasa” written by the Peruvian composer Daniel Alomia Robles in 1913, constituting itself a“Hymn to the Andes.”
Comments
No comment