Secretarybird / Sagittarius serpentarius EN

The Secretarybird is one of the most distinctive birds of prey in the world. A member of the order Accipitriformes, it stands out with its long crane-like legs, striking crest of black feathers, and terrestrial hunting behavior. Found across sub-Saharan Africa, it plays an important ecological role as a skilled predator of snakes and other small animals.

Appearance and Characteristics

• Body length up to 1.2 m, wingspan up to 2 m, and weight around 4–5 kg.
• Recognized by its long gray legs, resembling those of a crane.
• The head features a distinctive crest of long black feathers.
• The beak is hooked and strong, adapted for tearing prey.
• Plumage is mostly gray, with black wings and a tail marked by white and black bands.

Habitat

The Secretarybird inhabits open landscapes — savannas, grasslands, and light woodlands. It avoids dense forests and mountainous regions but is often seen near farmlands where it finds plenty of rodents and reptiles. The species ranges from Senegal and Ethiopia down to South Africa.

Diet and Behavior

The diet of the Secretarybird primarily consists of snakes, including venomous species such as cobras and vipers. It kills them by striking with its strong legs and sharp claws. It also feeds on lizards, rodents, small birds, and large insects. This bird hunts mainly on foot, covering up to 20 km per day in search of prey.

Interesting Facts

• The name “Secretarybird” comes from its long head feathers, which resemble the quill pens secretaries once carried behind their ears in the 18th century.
• During hunting, the bird can move at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
• It appears on the national emblem of South Africa as a symbol of wisdom and power.

Breeding

The breeding season varies by region but usually coincides with the dry season. Secretarybirds form long-term pairs. They build large nests atop acacia or baobab trees, made of sticks and grass. The female lays 1–3 eggs, incubating them for about 45 days. Chicks fledge at around 10 weeks of age.

Conservation Status

The Secretarybird is listed as a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include habitat loss, poaching, and collisions with power lines. Conservation programs across Africa aim to stabilize and increase the population of this unique bird.

Photos and Sounds

On this page, you can access audio recordings of Secretarybird calls and high-quality photographs showcasing its elegant posture and distinctive anatomy.

Frequently Asked Questions