Steep Cliff Roosts Protect California Condors From Ground Disturbance

These giants sleep on vertical rock walls beyond easy reach.

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Condors often return to the same roosting sites repeatedly over years.

California condors select steep cliff ledges and cavities for nighttime roosting. These elevated sites reduce disturbance from terrestrial predators and human activity. Roost selection also provides quick access to morning thermals. Communal roosts allow social interaction and information exchange about feeding areas. However, disturbance near roost cliffs can still disrupt behavior. Protection of these sites is integral to recovery planning. The vertical dimension of habitat is central to condor ecology.

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Cliff roosts function as safe havens within expansive territories. Elevation offers both security and aerodynamic advantage. Communal roosting may enhance survival through shared vigilance. Disturbance from recreation or development can undermine this refuge. Habitat preservation must include vertical space, not just horizontal acreage.

The image of multiple 10-foot-winged birds perched along sheer rock faces evokes both strength and fragility. These roosts anchor daily survival routines. Protecting them requires coordinated land management and public awareness. The condor's persistence depends on safeguarding both the sky it soars and the cliffs it rests upon. Recovery is written into the stone walls where it sleeps.

Source

National Park Service

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