Secretarybird
Image: tomolsson (cc-by-nc)
NameSecretarybird
Common NameSecretarybird
Scientific NameSagittarius serpentarius
FamilySagittariidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)130
Weight (g)3285
Plumage DetailsPale grey body with white underparts and black flight feathers. It has black thighs and a prominent crest of long, stiff black feathers on the nape. The face is bare, reddish-orange skin, and the long central tail feathers are grey with black tips.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a deep, guttural croak or grunt, often given during display flights or when disturbed. They can also make a soft 'kwaaark' sound.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, shrubland, open woodland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east, and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresvery long legs, prominent black crest feathers, bare reddish-orange facial skin, long central tail feathers, terrestrial hunting behavior
Description
The Secretarybird is a large, terrestrial bird of prey characterized by its very long legs and distinctive crest of black feathers. It primarily hunts on foot in open grasslands and savannas, often stomping on prey to subdue it.
