Secretarybird
Sagittarius serpentarius
Conservation Status
EndangeredAves · Accipitriformes · Sagittariidae
About
The secretarybird or secretary bird is a large bird of prey that is endemic to Africa. It is mostly terrestrial, spending most of its time on the ground, and is usually found in the open grasslands and savanna of the sub-Saharan region. John Frederick Miller described the species in 1779. A member of the order Accipitriformes, which also includes many other diurnal birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, kites, vultures, and harriers, it is placed in its own family, the Sagittariidae.
Fun Fact
Secretarybirds kill venomous snakes by stomping on them with forces up to five times their own body weight — their kicks are delivered in just 15 milliseconds, faster than a snake can strike.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open grasslands and savannas
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Invasive Species
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Agricultural Conversion
- Overgrazing