Condor (CR 1)

Large Animal
Alignment: Always neutral
Initiative: +1 (Dex); Senses: low-light vision and Spot +6


AC: 13 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12
Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (16 hp)
Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1
Speed: 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (poor)
Space: 5 ft./5 ft.
Base Attack +2; Grapple +9
Attack: Bite +4 melee
Full Attack: Bite +4 melee
Damage: Bite 1d4+3
Special Attacks/Actions: -
Abilities: Str 17, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 10, Cha 6
Special Qualities:
Feats: Skill Focus
Skills: Hide +2 and Spot +6
Advancement: 4-6 HD (Large); 7-9 HD (Huge)
Climate/Terrain: Temperate and warm mountains
Organization: Solitary or pair
Treasure/Possessions: None

Source: Converted

Condors are the largest of avian aerial scavengers, hunting from cliffs in mountainous regions. Condors measure three to six feet from beak to tail and have a wingspan of 13 to 20 feet. Their feathers are black and shiny. The head is sometimes bald, but may be covered with black pinfeathers. Their great wingspan allows them to soar for hours, and they rarely land except to feed or sleep.

As with all birds in the vulture family, condors lack strong talons for killing prey and feed strictly on carrion. They gorge themselves on carcasses and live off the stored fat for days.

Condor hens lay 1 - 2 eggs per year, and the chicks mature in two years. Condor eggs and hatchlings are worth 30 - 60 gp. They can be trained to act as spotters or retrievers.

Humanoids of Small size or smaller can train them to serve as aerial mounts. Condors can carry up to 80 extra pounds, either held in their claws or riding on their backs.

Their feathers are prized for their size and beauty; pinion feathers are worth one sp each, other wing feathers one cp each. An intact condor is worth five to ten gp, depending on the market.

Combat

Condors are scavengers by nature, and will not usually hunt live prey. Naturally, they will defend with bites if attacked, and try to flee if harassed.

Originally found in Forgotten Realms Monstrous Compendium, MC3 (1989), under the "Vulture" entry.