New material of the Cuban Condor, originally described at An-tillovultur varonai (Arredondo, 1971), indicates that it is definitely referable to the genus Gymnogyps, but possesses other unique features that support its status as an extinct endemic species. It is characterized by distinct cranial and pre-maxillary features that are associated with more powerful musculature for feeding. These features include dorso-ventral deepening of the skull, long and massive occipital processes, a large occipital condyle, and a more vaulted and broad rostrum compared with the living species G. californianus. Postcranial bones differ little from the living California Condor except in being larger and more robust. The Cuban Condor may have evolved relatively rapidly after a mainland population of G. kofordi or G. californianus reached the island and became specialized on the limited large prey available there during the Pleistocene.
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