Secretarybird

Endangered

Sagittarius serpentarius

A towering predator stalking through African grasslands on its long legs, this extraordinary raptor punches and stamps snakes to death with its powerful feet.

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

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Secretarybird and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 78
Adaptability 65
Aggressiveness 70
Endurance 82

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 10 - 15 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 19 years [1]
0
5
11
16
21

years

The Secretarybird typically lives for 10 to 15 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 19 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Endangered [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

6,700 - 67,000 mature individuals [3]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[4]

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

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?

  1. The Secretarybird got its name from its crest of long feathers, which resemble quill pens that secretaries once tucked behind their ears.
  2. It is the only member of its family, Sagittariidae, and is not closely related to other birds of prey.
  3. Secretarybirds can deliver a kick with a force up to five times their body weight, effectively stunning or killing their prey.

Was this bird profile helpful?

Your feedback helps us improve our content

Community Experience

Community Ratings

No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!

Ease of Spotting
0.0/5
Visual Appeal
0.0/5
Song Recognition
0.0/5

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Sign in to be the first to review

References

  1. 2 3 4

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Sagittarius serpentarius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22696221A173647556.

    View source
  2. 1

    other: Captive in Zoo