The secretary bird is a tall raptor that walks the plains of South Africa; unlike falcons, eagles and other raptors, it has long legs, and it is adept at catching snakes. It is mainly light grey with a black rear, has black eyes framed by red skin, and black feathers at the back of its head that look like a crest.
Name
Secretary Bird [Sagittaruis Serpentarius]
Appearance
The Secretary Bird is a beautiful, tall bird that walks the plains of South Africa. The Secretary Bird is actually a raptor, like falcons and eagles, but has long legs, unlike the short legs of normal raptors. The Main colour of the Secretary Bird is a light Grey, from its head to its wings. The rear part of the bird is coloured black. It has a yellow beak that gradients towards a pale grey. It has black eyes, with red skin around the eyes. The Secretary Bird has black feathers that protrude from the back of its head, looking like a crest.
Diet
The Secretary Bird’s diet consists of common raptor prey like Amphibians, reptiles, snakes, tortoises, small mammals and birds.
Breeding
The Secretary Bird breeds for life and are actually faithful to a nest site. These birds make their nests in the low fork in an acacia tree. Their nests are made out of sticks that grow yearly just like those of an eagle. The eggs of a Secretary Bird are large and rough textured and take about 50 days to hatch. Both the male and female work together in building the nest and the eggs are laid between May and June.
Behaviour
The Secretary Bird is not a bird that takes to the skies a lot and prefers staying on the ground, only departing for the skies when forced to. The Bird will walk around on its long legs and relies on its speed to escape from its attackers. These birds are adept in catching snakes and are often kept in cages to keep snakes away.
The bird will spread out its feathers like a big fan and use its powerful beak to catch its prey. Its legs are covered with thick scales that protects them from bites from snakes and other animals. Small animals are picked up and swallowed while some larger prey are bitten and mauled with their claws and then consumed.
Habitat
The Secretary Bird can be found in the open areas of the savannah. They congregate in recently burnt areas where mammals have perished in the blaze. They are wide spread throughout South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a secretary bird eat?
The secretary bird eats common raptor prey: amphibians, reptiles such as snakes and tortoises, small mammals and birds. Small animals are picked up and swallowed, while larger prey is bitten and mauled with the claws before being eaten.
How does a secretary bird catch snakes?
It spreads its feathers out like a big fan and uses its powerful beak to catch its prey. Its legs are covered with thick scales that protect them from bites by snakes and other animals.
Can secretary birds fly?
Yes, but they seldom do. The secretary bird prefers to stay on the ground and only takes to the skies when forced to, walking on its long legs and relying on its speed to escape attackers.
Where do secretary birds build their nests?
In a low fork of an acacia tree. The male and female build the nest together from sticks, and like an eagle’s it grows every year. Pairs are faithful to a nest site, and the eggs, laid between May and June, take about 50 days to hatch.
Where are secretary birds found?
Secretary birds are widespread throughout South Africa, living in the open areas of the savanna. They gather in recently burnt areas, where mammals have died in the fire.
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