Found throughout the Andes mountains from Colombia to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, though human activity now means it is absent or rare in many areas. Can also be seen in coastal areas, especially in the coastal deserts of Peru and Chile and Patagonian regions. Adult males can weigh up to 15kg / 33lbs with an average of around 12.5kg / 28lbs, making them the world's heaviest flying bird. The wingspan of up to 3.3m / 10ft 10" is the largest of any land bird. It features prominently in Andean mythology and was regarded as sacred by the Incas and other pre Columbian peoples. Local names: cóndor, cóndor de los andes.