Secretarybird

Sagittarius serpentarius

Grasslands. Red or orange face; flight feathers, upper legs and tailtip black; legs pink.

Not Endemic

Description

Common resident. Large, long-legged grey-and-black bird with long, loose black feathers projecting behind the head. Adult has orange face; immature has yellow face. Normally silent but sometimes utters a frog-like croak. Usually occurs in pairs walking through grassland, bushveld or savanna at all altitudes. Sometimes runs a short distance with spread wings and may also soar to a great height. Roosts and breeds on top of thorn trees.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Large birds of prey found across Africa and the only member of the family *Sagittariidae*. Characterised by a raptor-like body, long legs and floppy head plumes. Secretarybirds are chiefly terrestrial and do not migrate. They may be seen soaring in thermals and will travel great distances to food sources. They prey on mammals, rodents, lizards, snakes and insects, which they hunt on foot in monogamous pairs or in loose groups. They kill prey by stamping on it or striking and ripping it with their sharp decurved bills.