Secretary Bird
The Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius is a large, terrestrial bird of prey native to the open grasslands and savannas of Africa. It is a unique member of the order Accipitriformes, which includes eagles and hawks.
The Secretary Bird is known for its long, crane-like legs and its striking crest of feathers on the back of its head, which resembles a secretary's quill pens. It is famous for its incredible hunting skills, using its powerful legs to stomp on and kill its prey, especially snakes. Its diet also includes insects, small mammals, and other birds.
Secretary Birds are monogamous and form a strong pair bond that lasts for life. They build large nests in acacia trees and can be seen walking across the African savanna in pairs.
The Secretary Bird is a threatened species, facing threats from habitat loss and human disturbance. The Secretary Bird's unique appearance and hunting techniques make it a true icon of the African savanna.
Secretary Bird
Classification
Aves > Accipitriformes > Sagittariidae > Sagittarius > S. serpentarius
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
4 feet
(1.2 m)
Average Weight
7 - 9 lbs
(3.2 - 4.1 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 15 years
Gestation Period
45 days
Did You Know?
The Secretary Bird is a large, terrestrial bird of prey native to Africa, known for its long legs and distinctive crest of feathers.
Unlike most birds of prey, Secretary Birds hunt primarily on foot, stalking through grasslands and savannas.
They are famous for their unique hunting technique: stomping on their prey (often snakes) with their powerful legs to stun or kill them.
A Secretary Bird's kick can deliver a force equivalent to five times its body weight.
They build large nests in trees, often acacia trees, where both parents help incubate the eggs and care for the chicks.
The name "Secretary Bird" is thought to come from its crest of feathers, which resemble quill pens tucked behind a secretary's ear.
These birds are monogamous and typically mate for life.
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