Secretary Bird Profile: The Snake-Stomping Raptor of the Savanna

It looks almost like a crane or stork at first glance, with a crest of long quills at the back of the head and black leggings, but it is related to eagles and hawks. Pairs patrol large territories and walk many kilometres each day.

This profile explains identification, hunting, breeding and where to see this unusual raptor.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Identification

A secretary bird stands about a metre tall, with a grey body, black thighs resembling breeches, very long legs and a crest of black-tipped plumes. The face is bare and orange-red around the eyes. In flight, the long central tail feathers extend behind it, and black flight feathers contrast with grey wing coverts. The name may come from the quill-like crest, which resembled pens tucked behind a clerk's ear, or from an Arabic phrase meaning hunting bird. It is unlike any other African raptor.

Habitat

Secretary birds prefer open grassland, savanna with scattered trees, and lightly wooded plains. They avoid forest and dense bush, as they need to see and walk across ground. They are found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, and they are resident birds, although they may wander in search of food. Burnt grassland can attract them because prey is easy to see.

Hunting Behaviour

The bird strides through grass, scanning and then striking with its feet. Its legs are long and its toes short, and kicks land with great force and speed, enough to stun or kill snakes and rodents. Prey includes venomous snakes, lizards, locusts, mice, hares, young birds and eggs. Large prey is stamped repeatedly until dead. Pairs sometimes hunt together, and in fire-cleared grassland several birds may gather. They usually swallow smaller animals whole.

Nesting and Family Life

Secretary birds mate for life and build a huge flat nest of sticks, lined with grass and dung, in the top of a thorn tree. The same nest may be reused and added to over many years. Females lay a small clutch, usually two or three eggs, and the chicks are fed regurgitated food, later whole prey. Fledging takes a long time, and chicks may jump from the nest before they can fly, sometimes being killed by the fall or by predators. They roost in trees at night.

Threats and Conservation

The secretary bird has declined and is now listed as endangered by the global conservation authority, driven by habitat loss, grassland degradation, collisions with power lines, disturbance of nesting sites and hunting. Because it needs wide open grassland, it is an indicator of the health of savanna ecosystems. Visitors can help by supporting well-managed parks. See responsible and conservation travel.

Where to See Secretary Birds

Good sites include the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, Amboseli and Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda, where the open savanna suits them. Look for a tall bird walking through grass in the morning or late afternoon. See also Uganda birds species guide.

Viewing and Photography Tips

Ask your guide to stop when you spot one hunting and wait quietly. A long lens helps, and low light gives dramatic profiles. See safari photography tips and the birding guide.

Related Species

Compare it with the ostrich, another large ground bird, and the fish eagle, a very different raptor.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team