Cathartidae (New World vultures, condors; class Aves, order Falconiformes) A family of large, long-winged, brownish-black vultures that have bare heads which are often coloured. Their nostrils are perforate and many have a ruff of feathers around their neck. Their feet are weak with a small hind toe. They inhabit forests, mountains, and plains, feeding on carrion and nesting in caves or hollow trees. Gymnogyps californianus (California condor) is nearly extinct; Vultur gryphus (Andean condor) is the largest of all birds of prey. There are five genera, with eight species, found in N., Central, and S. America.

New World vultures See CATHARTIDAE.