Andean condor
Two birds could potentially be considered Earth’s largest raptor. Wingspan is often considered the most notable size characteristic for birds, and by this logic the largest raptor is the Andean condor. But the title goes to a different bird if you’re measuring from beak-to-tail: the California condor is five centimeters longer than its Andean cousin.
Both of these colossal raptors belong to the Cathartidae family, an avian group usually described as New World vultures. At 3.3 meters (10.8 feet), the Andean condor’s wingspan is among the largest on Earth and is exceeded only by a quartet of sea and water birds: the wandering albatross, southern royal albatross, great white pelican and Dalmatian pelican. It’s also the heaviest raptor on Earth, weighing in at a whopping 15 kilograms (33 pounds). For comparison, a common buzzard weighs just over one kilogram (2.2 pounds).
