Secretary Bird
Sagittarius serpentarius
Endangered
The Secretary Bird is one of the most unusual raptors in the world! With long crane-like legs and a crest of black feathers that looks like quill pens behind the ear, it's unmistakable. It's named because those head feathers look like old-fashioned secretaries' quills!
Unlike other birds of prey, secretary birds hunt on foot, walking up to 20 miles a day. They stomp on snakes with powerful kicks - their kick is 5 times their body weight!
Size
Over 4 feet tall on those long legs!
Very Large (>60 cm)
Wingspan: 210 cm
Weight: 4000 g
Colors
gray
black
red
orange
Habitat
grassland
Diet
small mammalsbirdsinsects
Fun Facts
- ✨They stomp on venomous snakes with powerful kicks!
- ✨Their kick force is 5 times their body weight!
- ✨They can walk up to 20 miles a day hunting.
- ✨Named for head feathers that look like quill pens secretaries used!
Conservation Status
Endangered
This bird is in trouble. There aren't many left in the wild, and we need to work hard to save them before it's too late.
Population trend: decreasing 📉