The Andean vulture, also known as the Andean condor, is a large bird of prey found in South America. This majestic bird is known for its black feathers and white ruffed collar, as well as its impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet. Some synonyms for the Andean vulture include the Andean condor, mountain condor, and Andean griffon. Other synonyms include the jote, quechua, and uqi. These stunning birds are considered to be sacred by many indigenous cultures and play an essential role in South American ecosystems by scavenging dead animals and preventing the spread of disease.