It is because they have a safe place, not only to breed but to retire to, whenever they feel inclined.

Numerous peaks of the Andes, where these birds dwell, shoot up far above the line of perpetual snow.

Away up on these summits the condor breeds, among naked rocks where there is no vegetation.

No one ever thinks of ascending them; and, indeed, many of these summits are inaccessible to the human foot.

Not even animals of any species are found there, nor birds--except the condor himself.