Secretarybird
Sagittarius serpentarius
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Secretarybird is a striking, long-legged raptor with a distinctive eagle-like head and a crest of black feathers. Its body is predominantly grey, with black flight feathers and thighs. The face is bare and red-orange, contrasting with its grey beak.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having a duller plumage and shorter crest feathers. The bird's most notable feature is its long, pink legs, which give it a unique stance among raptors.
Size
Length
112cm to 150cm
Wingspan
191cm to 215cm
Weight
2.3kg to 4.27kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Black
Secondary Colour
White Yellow Red Orange
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Secretarybirds inhabit open grasslands, savannahs, and lightly wooded areas across sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer areas with short grass and scattered trees or shrubs, which provide both hunting grounds and nesting sites.
Their range extends from Senegal to Somalia and south to South Africa. They are non-migratory but may make local movements in response to food availability and rainfall patterns.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Secretarybird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional agility demonstrated through precise hunting movements, particularly in their ability to deliver accurate kicks whilst maintaining balance. Their aerial courtship displays and ability to navigate both terrestrial and aerial environments showcase remarkable coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Impressive strength evidenced by their ability to deliver kicks with force up to five times their body weight. Their large size (up to 4.27kg) and capability to successfully hunt and kill venomous snakes and other substantial prey demonstrates considerable physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Moderate adaptability shown through their ability to survive in various open habitats up to 3,000 metres elevation. However, their specialised hunting technique and specific habitat requirements (open grasslands with scattered trees) suggest some limitations in adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Notable aggression displayed in hunting behaviour, particularly in their direct confrontational approach to dangerous prey like venomous snakes. However, they're generally non-confrontational with their own species, typically being solitary or found in pairs.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Strong endurance capabilities demonstrated through their primarily terrestrial lifestyle, spending long periods walking and hunting across extensive territories. Their ability to maintain lengthy hunting sessions and deliver powerful, repeated kicks indicates substantial stamina.
Diet
Secretarybirds are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small mammals, snakes, lizards, and large insects.
They are renowned for their ability to catch and kill venomous snakes, using their long legs to stomp and crush their prey. They may also occasionally consume bird eggs and chicks.
Behaviour
Secretarybirds are primarily terrestrial, spending most of their time walking on the ground in search of prey. They are known for their unique hunting technique of stomping on prey with their powerful legs to stun or kill it.
These birds are usually solitary or found in pairs but may gather in small groups at waterholes.
Vocalisation
Secretarybirds are generally silent, but during breeding season, they produce deep, guttural croaking sounds. These vocalisations are often accompanied by head-bobbing displays.
When alarmed, they may emit a softer, hissing sound. Their wings also make a distinctive swooshing noise during flight.
Nesting & Breeding
Secretarybirds form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and mutual preening. Breeding typically occurs during the dry season when the grass is shorter, facilitating hunting.
Nests are large, flat platforms of sticks built in the tops of thorny trees or dense bushes. The female usually lays 1-3 pale green eggs with brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 45 days. Chicks fledge at around 65-80 days old but remain dependent on their parents for several more months, learning crucial hunting skills.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Secretarybird is listed as Endangered due to rapid population declines across its range. Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are the primary threats. Collisions with power lines and fences also contribute to mortality.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Secretarybirds in open grasslands and savannas
- Observe their distinctive walking gait and tall stature
- Watch for their unique stomping behavior when hunting
- Listen for their deep, guttural croaking calls during breeding season
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Secretary Bird
Family:
SagittariidaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Max Lifespan
19 years [4]
Predators
Adult Secretarybirds have few natural predators due to their size and defensive capabilities. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to eagles, large owls, and mammalian carnivores like jackals.
Did You Know?
- The Secretarybird got its name from its crest of long feathers, which resemble quill pens that secretaries once tucked behind their ears.
- It is the only member of its family, Sagittariidae, and is not closely related to other birds of prey.
- Secretarybirds can deliver a kick with a force up to five times their body weight, effectively stunning or killing their prey.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Sagittarius serpentarius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22696221A173647556.
View source - 4
other: Captive in Zoo
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