Secretarybird

The Secretarybird is an unmistakable, large terrestrial bird of prey combining an eagle-like head and hooked bill with extraordinarily long, crane-like legs. Its body plumage is pale grey with black flight feathers and thighs, and it has a long tail with elongated central feathers.

A crown of long, black, quill-like feathers projects from the back of the head — the source of the species' name, said to resemble old-fashioned quill pens once tucked behind a clerk's or secretary's ear. Bare orange-red skin surrounds the eyes.

Key Field Marks

• Extremely long legs, unusual for any raptor
• Upright, crane- or stork-like standing posture
• Long black crest plumes at the back of the head
• Long tail with central feathers trailing beyond the legs in flight

Similar Species

There are no similar species — the Secretarybird is the only bird combining a raptor's head and bill with such long legs and largely terrestrial habits.

Range

Found across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and south to South Africa.

Habitat

Open grassland, savanna, and lightly wooded plains; avoids dense forest and true desert.

Movements

Largely sedentary, though individuals may wander locally in response to food availability or fire conditions.

Feeding

Hunts mainly on foot, striding through grass to flush prey such as insects, small mammals, lizards, and snakes. Prey is typically killed with rapid, forceful stamping and kicking motions of its powerful feet — a behavior well documented even with venomous snakes.

Nesting and Breeding

Roosts and nests in flat-topped trees such as Acacia, building a large stick platform nest. Pairs are monogamous and typically lay one to three eggs.

Voice

Generally quiet away from the nest; gives deep croaking or guttural calls mainly around the nest site.

Flight

A strong flier with slow wingbeats and soaring flight, with the long legs trailing behind the tail.