A condor is a vulture. The name applies to the two largest New World vultures: the Andean condor and the California condor. So the contrast is not between two kinds of bird but between a group and two of its members.
The core difference
Not two categories — a family and its largest members.
- vulture — scavenging birds of prey, in two unrelated groups: New World and Old World.
- condor — the Andean and California condors, the largest New World vultures.
Two vulture groups that are not close relatives
New World vultures (the Americas, including condors) and Old World vultures (Europe, Asia, Africa) resemble each other through convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry. Old World vultures are true birds of prey related to eagles; the New World group sits on a separate branch. Similar diet, similar shape, different lineage.
A distinguishing detail
New World vultures have a well-developed sense of smell and can locate carrion by scent — unusual among birds. Old World vultures find food almost entirely by sight.
Frequently asked questions
Is a condor a vulture?
Yes. Condors are the largest of the New World vultures.
Are New and Old World vultures related?
Only distantly. They resemble each other through convergent evolution; Old World vultures are related to eagles, New World vultures are not.
Can vultures smell carrion?
New World vultures can, unusually for birds. Old World vultures locate food almost entirely by sight.