Secretary Bird
Sagittarius serpentarius
The secretary bird is one of Africa's most extraordinary and recognizable raptors. Standing over 1.3 meters tall on crane-like legs, with a crown of black quill feathers behind its head (said to resemble the quill pens 19th-century clerks tucked behind their ears), this bird looks like it walked straight out of a prehistoric illustration. Unlike most birds of prey, secretary birds hunt on foot, striding purposefully through grasslands and stamping on snakes, lizards, and small mammals with devastating force. Their kicks can deliver five times their own body weight in impact, enough to kill a venomous snake in a single strike. Watching a secretary bird hunt is mesmerizing. It stalks through the grass with long, deliberate strides, then suddenly erupts into a flurry of stomping strikes when prey is detected. They've been observed taking on cobras, puff adders, and even small mammals with remarkable efficiency. Secretary birds are found across sub-Saharan Africa's open grasslands and savannas, though their numbers have declined in recent decades. They roost and nest in flat-topped acacia trees, and seeing a pair perched on a treetop at sunrise is one of the bush's more elegant sights. For birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the secretary bird is a safari highlight that never disappoints.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Sagittarius serpentarius
- Family
- Sagittariidae (sole member)
- Diet
- Carnivore: snakes, lizards, rodents, insects, small birds, eggs
- Social Structure
- Monogamous pairs; mostly seen alone or in pairs
- Top Speed
- 30 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 15 years
Best Parks to See Secretary Birds
Top safari destinations for secretary bird sightings
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Good
The Mara's open grasslands are ideal secretary bird habitat. Regularly spotted striding through the short grass on morning game drives.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Good
Found across the Serengeti's grasslands, especially the southern short-grass plains. More common after the rains when grass is short.
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
Good
The crater floor's open grasslands support a small but visible population. One of the more reliable spots in East Africa.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Moderate
Present but less common than in East Africa. Found in the more open, grassy areas of central and southern Kruger.
Etosha National Park
Namibia
Moderate
Seen in the grasslands around the pan edges. Sightings are less frequent but rewarding when they occur.
Amboseli National Park
Kenya
Good
The open plains of Amboseli are good secretary bird territory. They're sometimes seen with Kilimanjaro in the background.
Tarangire National Park
Tanzania
Moderate
Found in the park's grassier sections. The mix of open ground and scattered trees suits their nesting and hunting needs.
Best Time to See Secretary Birds
Dry Season (East Africa)
July, August, September, October
Short grass makes secretary birds easier to spot and observe hunting. They're more visible when vegetation is low.
Post-rains
November, December, January
Increased insect and reptile activity means secretary birds are actively hunting and easier to watch in action.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
3.5-4.5 kg
Female Weight
3-4 kg
Top Speed
30 km/h
Lifespan
15 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing6,700 - 67,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss from agriculture and development
- Grassland degradation from overgrazing
- Power line collisions
- Poisoning (indirectly through contaminated prey)
- Nest disturbance
Viewing Tips
Scan open grasslands at mid-range distance; their tall silhouette is distinctive against the horizon
Morning is the best time, as secretary birds leave their roost trees early to hunt
Look for them walking with a distinctive, measured stride through short grass
Check the tops of flat-topped acacia trees for roosting or nesting pairs at dawn and dusk
If you see one stop and stamp rapidly, it's hunting; watch closely for the full strike sequence
They cover large distances, so if you lose sight, drive ahead on the track and wait for them to catch up
Photography Tips
Low-angle shots emphasize the bird's impressive height and long legs
Action shots of the stomping hunt sequence are spectacular but require patience and fast reflexes
The crest of quill feathers is the signature feature; capture it in profile
Eye-level portraits show the surprisingly beautiful facial features (bare red-orange skin around the eyes)
A walking secretary bird silhouetted against a sunrise is a classic African image
Use a 200-400mm lens; secretary birds are often more approachable than other raptors
Interesting Facts
Secretary birds are the only raptor species in their entire family (Sagittariidae). They have no close relatives.
Their stomping kicks deliver a force of about 195 Newtons in just 15 milliseconds, roughly five times their body weight
The name likely comes from the Arabic 'saqr-et-tair' (hunter bird), which European travelers adapted to 'secretary'
They can walk 20 to 30 km per day while hunting through grasslands
Secretary birds appear on the coat of arms of both South Africa and Sudan
Unlike most raptors, they spend the vast majority of their time on foot rather than in the air
A pair will use the same nest (built in a flat-topped tree) year after year, adding material each season until it becomes enormous
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a secretary bird?
The most popular explanation is that the quill-like crest feathers behind the head resemble the quill pens that 19th-century office clerks (secretaries) tucked behind their ears. However, the name may actually derive from the Arabic 'saqr-et-tair,' meaning 'hunter bird,' which European travelers adapted into 'secretary.'
Can a secretary bird kill a snake?
Yes, secretary birds are renowned snake hunters. They kill snakes by stomping on them with incredible force, delivering rapid kicks that can kill even venomous species like cobras and puff adders. Their long legs keep their body safely out of striking range while they attack.
Where is the best place to see a secretary bird on safari?
The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer the best chances, thanks to their vast open grasslands. Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli are also reliable. Look for them walking through short grass on morning game drives. They're classified as Endangered, so any sighting is special.
Is the secretary bird endangered?
Yes, the secretary bird was uplisted to Endangered by the IUCN in 2020. Populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss, grassland degradation from overgrazing, and collision with power lines. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting grassland habitats and monitoring nesting sites.
Can secretary birds fly?
Yes, despite spending most of their time on foot, secretary birds are capable fliers. They soar on thermals during courtship displays and fly to and from their roost trees each day. Their wingspan reaches about 2 meters. However, they hunt exclusively on foot.