16-7-2024 ROTTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - SECRETARY BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius),

The secretarybird or secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) 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, Sagittariidae.

The secretarybird is instantly recognizable as a very large bird with an eagle-like body on crane-like legs that give the bird a height of as much as 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in). The sexes are similar in appearance. Adults have a featherless red-orange face and predominantly grey plumage, with a flattened dark crest and black flight feathers and thighs.

Breeding can take place at any time of year but tends to be late in the dry season. The nest is built at the top of a thorny tree, and a clutch of one to three eggs is laid. In years with plentiful food all three young can survive to fledging. The secretarybird hunts and catches prey on the ground, often stomping on victims to kill them. Insects and small vertebrates make up its diet.

Although the secretarybird resides over a large range, the results of localised surveys suggest that the total population is experiencing a rapid decline, probably as a result of habitat destruction. The species is therefore classed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The secretarybird appears on the coats of arms of Sudan and South Africa.

The secretarybird is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is generally non-migratory, though it may be locally nomadic as it follows rainfall and the resulting abundance of prey. Its range extends from Senegal to Somalia and south to Western Cape, South Africa.

The species is also found at a variety of elevations, from the coastal plains to the highlands. The secretarybird prefers open grasslands, savannas and shrubland (Karoo) rather than forests and dense shrubbery that may impede its cursorial existence. More specifically, it prefers areas with grass under 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) high and avoids those with grass over 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high. It is rarer in grasslands in northern parts of its range that otherwise appear similar to areas in southern Africa where it is abundant, suggesting it may avoid hotter regions. It also avoids deserts.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SECRETARY BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius)

The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a remarkable bird of prey, endemic to the African continent. It stands out with its eagle-like body perched upon long, crane-like legs, reaching heights of up to 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches). Both sexes exhibit a similar plumage of predominantly grey feathers, a distinctive flattened dark crest, and a featherless red-orange face. The bird's impressive stature is complemented by black flight feathers and thighs, adding to its striking appearance.

Adult Secretarybirds can be identified by their tall frame, long legs, and unique combination of grey and black plumage. The red-orange face is devoid of feathers, and the eyes are pale brown. In flight, the Secretarybird's long legs trail behind, and its elongated central tail feathers are noticeable. Juveniles differ slightly with yellow facial skin and darker grey down.

The Secretarybird favors open grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, avoiding dense forests and shrubbery that could hinder its ground-based lifestyle. It thrives in areas where the grass is shorter than 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) and is less common in regions with taller grass or hotter climates.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Western Cape in South Africa. It is generally non-migratory, though local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey availability.

Secretarybirds are typically solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in trees. They are known for their deliberate pacing on the ground, where they spend much of their day hunting. These birds are capable of soaring using thermals and can reach altitudes of up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

While generally silent, Secretarybirds can produce a deep, guttural croaking sound during nuptial displays or when at the nest. They may also emit high-pitched croaks when alarmed, and chicks have a distinct call during their first month.

Breeding can occur at any time of year, with a preference for the late dry season. Secretarybirds build large, flat nests atop thorny trees, where they lay a clutch of one to three eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after about 75 to 80 days.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Western Cape in South Africa. It is generally non-migratory, though local movements may occur in response to rainfall and prey availability.

Secretarybirds are typically solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in trees. They are known for their deliberate pacing on the ground, where they spend much of their day hunting. These birds are capable of soaring using thermals and can reach altitudes of up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet).

While generally silent, Secretarybirds can produce a deep, guttural croaking sound during nuptial displays or when at the nest. They may also emit high-pitched croaks when alarmed, and chicks have a distinct call during their first month.

Breeding can occur at any time of year, with a preference for the late dry season. Secretarybirds build large, flat nests atop thorny trees, where they lay a clutch of one to three eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, which fledge after about 75 to 80 days.

The Secretarybird is a terrestrial hunter, preying on insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally larger mammals. It is known for its method of stomping on prey to kill or immobilize it. Snakes, including venomous species, are also part of its diet, although their importance has been historically overstated.