Secretarybird
NameSecretarybird
Common NameSecretarybird
Scientific NameSagittarius serpentarius
FamilySagittariidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)130
Weight (g)3800
Plumage DetailsMostly grey plumage on the body, with black flight feathers, black thighs, and white underparts. It has a prominent crest of long black feathers on the back of its head and bare orange-red skin around its eyes and beak.
Vocalization / CallSecretarybirds typically make deep croaking or booming calls, especially during breeding displays or when disturbed. They are generally quiet birds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, shrubland
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Somalia and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featureslong crane-like legs, distinctive crest of black feathers, bare orange-red facial skin, grey body with black thighs and flight feathers, terrestrial hunting style
Description
The Secretarybird is a large, terrestrial bird of prey native to Africa, characterized by its long, crane-like legs and distinctive crest of black feathers. It primarily hunts on foot, striding through grasslands and savannas in search of prey.
