The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is one of Africa’s most distinctive birds of prey, standing nearly four feet tall with long legs, a striking feathered crest, and an elegant but fierce hunting style. Native to the savannas, grasslands, and shrublands of sub-Saharan Africa, this bird is a ground-dwelling hunter known for its unusual method of stomping prey to death—especially snakes.
Despite its somewhat formal name and appearance, the secretary bird is a highly efficient predator and plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in its habitat.
Quick Facts About Secretary Birds
| Common Name | Secretary Bird |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sagittarius serpentarius |
| Type | Bird |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Group Name | Flock |
| Average Life Span | 10 to 15 years |
| Size | 3.9 feet (approximately) |
| Weight | 5 to 9.4 pounds |
Why Are They Called Secretary Birds?
There are two popular theories behind the name “secretary bird”:
- Appearance-based Theory: The bird’s gray body, black-tipped tail feathers, and long black leg feathers resemble the attire of 19th-century office clerks (secretaries), who wore gray coats and tucked quill pens behind their ears—similar to the bird’s feathered crest.
- Linguistic Theory: Some believe the name is a misinterpretation of the Arabic phrase “saqr et-tair,” meaning “hunter bird.” This theory has been disputed by some experts but remains a possibility due to the bird’s reputation for hunting prowess.
Physical Features and Adaptations
- Crest: A dramatic black feathered crest on the back of its head
- Legs: Long legs, with black feathers on the upper portion and scaly protection below, resembling “bicycle shorts”
- Face: Bare facial skin, usually yellow, orange, or red
- Wingspan: Nearly seven feet, which helps in both defense and courtship displays
Their long legs and scales offer protection from snake bites, making them formidable hunters of reptiles.
Hunting Style and Diet
Unlike most birds of prey, secretary birds hunt on foot rather than from the air. They stalk their prey across open landscapes, relying on their powerful legs to deliver deadly stomps.
Diet Includes:
- Small mammals (rodents)
- Reptiles (especially snakes)
- Amphibians
- Insects
These birds often hunt in pairs or small groups, starting their search after dawn and continuing until dusk, taking breaks during the hottest part of the day. Their scientific name, Sagittarius serpentarius, translates to “archer of snakes”, highlighting their specialized skill in hunting serpents.
Mating and Reproduction
Secretary birds form monogamous pairs and often stay together for life. Their courtship rituals are elaborate and involve both aerial and ground displays:
- Aerial Displays: Known as “pendulum flights”, where birds swoop down and rise repeatedly in a rhythmic motion
- Ground Displays: Dancing with outstretched wings, often joined by other birds in a communal display
Nesting:
- Built in acacia trees using sticks
- Reused and expanded each season
- Females lay three blue-green eggs, incubated by both parents
Chick Development:
- Eggs hatch after about 50 days
- Both parents feed the chicks regurgitated food
- Chicks fledge after three months but stay near the nest for some time
Conservation Status: A Species at Risk
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the secretary bird as vulnerable to extinction due to:
- Habitat Loss: Grasslands burned or cleared for livestock
- Food Scarcity: Open, human-altered landscapes provide less shelter for prey
- Human Disturbance: Presence of herders and farming activities interfere with breeding
Conservation Efforts:
- Protected in various reserves and national parks across Africa
- Improved monitoring of populations to track their decline
- Efforts to maintain natural grassland habitats
FAQ’s
Where do secretary birds live?
Secretary birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting savannas, grasslands, and shrublands.
What do secretary birds eat?
Secretary birds are carnivores that feed on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, with snakes being a favorite meal.
How do secretary birds hunt?
Secretary birds hunt on foot and kill prey by stomping with their powerful legs, rather than hunting from the air like most raptors.
Are secretary birds endangered?
Secretary birds are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, human interference, and declining prey availability.
Why are they called secretary birds?
The name may come from their resemblance to 19th-century clerks who wore gray coats and tucked quill pens behind their ears, or from the Arabic phrase ‘saqr et-tair,’ meaning ‘hunter bird.’
