Secretarybird

The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a remarkable bird of prey, endemic to the African continent. It stands out with its eagle-like body perched upon long, crane-like legs, reaching heights of up to 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches). Both sexes exhibit a similar plumage of predominantly grey feathers, a distinctive flattened dark crest, and a featherless red-orange face. The bird's impressive stature is complemented by black flight feathers and thighs, adding to its striking appearance.

Identification Tips

Adult Secretarybirds can be identified by their tall frame, long legs, and unique combination of grey and black plumage. The red-orange face is devoid of feathers, and the eyes are pale brown. In flight, the Secretarybird's long legs trail behind, and its elongated central tail feathers are noticeable. Juveniles differ slightly with yellow facial skin and darker grey down.

Habitat

The Secretarybird favors open grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, avoiding dense forests and shrubbery that could hinder its ground-based lifestyle. It thrives in areas where the grass is shorter than 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) and is less common in regions with taller grass or hotter climates.

Distribution

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Western Cape in South Africa. It is generally non-migratory, though local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey availability.

Behaviour

Secretarybirds are typically solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in trees. They are known for their deliberate pacing on the ground, where they spend much of their day hunting. These birds are capable of soaring using thermals and can reach altitudes of up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

Song & Calls

While generally silent, Secretarybirds can produce a deep, guttural croaking sound during nuptial displays or when at the nest. They may also emit high-pitched croaks when alarmed, and chicks have a distinct call during their first month.

Breeding

Breeding can occur at any time of year, with a preference for the late dry season. Secretarybirds build large, flat nests atop thorny trees, where they lay a clutch of one to three eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after about 75 to 80 days.

Similar Species

There are no similar species to the Secretarybird due to its unique morphology and size.

Diet and Feeding

The Secretarybird is a terrestrial hunter, preying on insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally larger mammals. It is known for its method of stomping on prey to kill or immobilize it. Snakes, including venomous species, are also part of its diet, although their importance has been historically overstated.

Conservation Status

The Secretarybird is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a rapid decline in population attributed to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Despite its large range, the species is thinly distributed and faces threats from human activities and environmental changes.