07/22/2026
Subadult California condor 1238 looking regal as he surveys his fellow flock members. As a juvenile condor, he is lower in the flock’s social hierarchy. One of the reasons it is beneficial for 1238 to be aware of his surroundings is in case an older bird decides to pull rank and establish their dominance over him. Younger birds will also try to hang out with older birds, possibly to ascend the ranks within the hierarchy and to learn from them (this is my guess).
As 1238 matures, it is very likely that he will also haze younger birds and the “littles” will, in turn, try to hang out with him. Such is life as a California condor. The social dynamics are forever changing.
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Ventana Wildlife Society Friends of California Condors Wild and Free California Condor Alliance