The Secretarybird, an elegant and formidable raptor of the African savannas.
The Walking King of the Savannas
The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a truly unique bird of prey, the only living representative of its family, the Sagittariidae. Instantly recognizable, it combines the head and body of an eagle with the very long legs of a crane. Endemic to Africa, this raptor spends most of its time on the ground, striding through savannas and grasslands in search of prey, which makes its terrestrial hunting behavior unusual for a bird of prey. Its striking appearance and spectacular hunting technique make it a symbol of the African landscapes.
Secretarybird Fact Sheet
Scientific name: Sagittarius serpentarius
Height: 125 to 150 cm
Wingspan: 191 to 215 cm
Weight: 2.3 to 4.5 kg (5.1 to 9.9 lbs)
Diet: snakes, lizards, rodents, insects
Lifespan: up to 20 years in the wild
IUCN Status: Endangered (EN)
Distribution: savannas and steppes of sub-Saharan Africa
Our Ornithologist's Tip
By the Les-Oiseaux.com team, published on August 18, 2025.
My personal tip: To be certain you're identifying a Secretarybird, don't just rely on its large size. Watch its gait. It walks with a confident stride and can cover more than 20 km (12 miles) a day. The foolproof detail is the combination of its long, pinkish legs, its bare red-orange face, and, of course, its famous crest of black feathers on the back of its head, which it can raise. It's this 'hairstyle' that makes it so special.
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Identifying the Secretarybird: Key Features
The Secretarybird is a very large bird, standing between 125 and 150 cm tall (about 4 ft) with a wingspan of 191 to 215 cm (6.3 to 7 ft). Its silhouette is unique and cannot be mistaken.
Plumage: Mostly grey, with black on the lower belly, thighs, and flight feathers.
Head: It resembles that of an eagle, with a light grey hooked bill. The skin around the eyes is bare and a vivid red-orange. Its eyes are large and brown, framed by long, black eyelashes.
Crest: A characteristic crest composed of long, black, spatulate feathers adorns the back of its head.
Legs: Extremely long and pinkish in color, they are covered with thick scales to protect against snakebites.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females are nearly identical, with the male sometimes being slightly larger with a longer crest and tail.
The black crest feathers and colored facial skin are key identification features.
Not to be confused with...
Grey Crowned Crane
From a distance, its tall, slender grey silhouette can cause confusion. However, the Grey Crowned Crane has a unique golden crown, white cheeks, and a more slender body.
This is another very tall, long-legged bird of African wetlands. It is distinguished by its distinct black-and-white plumage and its massive red and black bill.
The Secretarybird is a generally silent bird, especially when hunting. Its vocalizations are primarily heard during courtship displays, at the nest, or at roosts. The most common call is a hoarse, guttural croak, transcribed as "korrr-orr," which it emits during display flights. It can also produce meowing-like sounds at roosting sites.
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Behavior: A Terrestrial Hunter
The Secretarybird is a diurnal raptor that spends most of its day walking. It hunts by covering its territory with a deliberate pace, scanning the ground for prey. Its most famous technique involves violently stomping on the ground or its prey with its feet to stun or kill it before swallowing. This method is particularly effective against snakes.
Its diet is highly varied and opportunistic. It feeds mainly on arthropods (grasshoppers, beetles), lizards, and snakes, but also small mammals (rodents, mongooses), amphibians, and sometimes young birds.
Although it rarely flies, its flight is powerful. It nests solitarily at the top of large trees, where the pair builds a large platform of sticks. The female lays between 1 and 3 eggs, and both parents participate in the incubation, which lasts about 45 days.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The Secretarybird is more than just a raptor: it holds a special place in African culture.
Its elegant appearance and majestic walk have made it a symbol of vigilance and power.
South Africa has chosen it as its national emblem, and it is featured on the country's official coat of arms.
In some local traditions, it is considered a protector because it hunts snakes, which are often feared by rural populations.
Habitat and Distribution
The Secretarybird is an endemic species of sub-Saharan Africa. It is found from southern Mauritania to Somalia, and south to South Africa. It is generally sedentary, although it may move locally to follow rains and prey abundance.
It favors open habitats such as savannas, steppes, grasslands, and semi-desert areas. An essential condition for its presence is low vegetation that does not exceed one meter in height, allowing it to hunt effectively on the ground.
Distribution Map
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The Secretarybird forms monogamous and faithful pairs. The breeding season varies by region,
but it is generally linked to the rainy season when prey is more abundant.
The pair builds a large stick nest at the top of a tree or sometimes on an isolated acacia,
which can measure up to 2.5 meters in diameter. The female lays between 1 and 3 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 45 days.
The chicks are born covered in white down and are fed by regurgitation. They fledge at around 3 months of age,
but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Unique Adaptations of the Secretarybird
Its morphology and behavior make it a unique raptor:
Powerful legs: capable of delivering kicks with a force of over 40 kg/cm², ideal for neutralizing snakes.
Keen eyesight: comparable to that of eagles, allowing it to spot small prey on the ground from several hundred meters away.
Endurance for walking: it can walk more than 20 km per day in search of food.
Protective scales: its thick scales on its legs protect it from venomous bites.
Conservation Status
The Secretarybird is listed as "Endangered" (EN) on the IUCN Red List, having been uplisted from "Vulnerable" due to a rapid decline in its populations. The total population is estimated to be between 6,700 and 67,000 mature individuals, and the trend is decreasing.
The main threats to the species are the loss and degradation of its habitat due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and urbanization. Persecution, accidental poisoning, and collisions with human infrastructure also pose significant threats. The protection of its vast savanna habitats is crucial for its survival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Secretarybird
How can you easily recognize a Secretarybird?
The Secretarybird is instantly recognizable by its unique silhouette: an eagle's body on the very long legs of a crane. Its crest of black feathers behind the head, orange face, and grey and black plumage are also distinctive features.
Why is it called the Secretarybird?
The name 'Secretarybird' is thought to come from its long crest feathers, which resemble the quill pens that 19th-century secretaries used to tuck behind their ears.
Where can you see the Secretarybird?
The Secretarybird lives in the open savannas, steppes, and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers areas where the grass is not too tall, allowing it to easily spot its prey on the ground.
Is the Secretarybird a snake hunter?
Yes, it is famous for its ability to hunt and kill snakes, including venomous species, by stomping on them with its powerful feet. However, its diet is varied and also includes insects, lizards, rodents, and other small animals.
