SECRETARY BIRD

*Secretary Bird (_Sagittarius serpentarius_) – The Majestic Ground Predator
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Introduction
The *Secretary Bird* (_Sagittarius serpentarius_) is an extraordinary, long‑legged raptor native to sub‑Saharan Africa. Named for its crest of black feathers that resemble a clerk’s quill pens tucked behind an ear, it stands out as the only raptor that spends most of its time on the ground, hunting snakes, insects, and small vertebrates with a mix of powerful kicks and sharp talons.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* _Sagittarius serpentarius_ (Miller, 1779)
- *Family:* Sagittariidae – the sole member of its family.
- *Order:* Accipitriformes (though historically placed near falcons).
- *Etymology:*
- _Sagittarius_ = “archer” (Latin _sagitta_ = arrow), a nod to the quill‑like crest.
- _serpentarius_ = “snake‑hunter” (Latin _serpens_ = snake).
- *Common name origin:* 18th‑century Europeans thought the crest resembled a secretary’s quill pens stuck behind an ear.

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Description
- *Height:* 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft) tall.
- *Wingspan:* 2.0–2.5 m (6.5–8 ft).
- *Weight:* 2.3–4.3 kg (5–9.5 lb).
- *Plumage:*
- *Body:* Light grey with black flight feathers and a black‑tipped tail.
- *Legs:* Very long, pinkish‑gray, with strong, black talons.
- *Crest:* 20 cm (8 in) black feathers, erect when excited.
- *Face:* Bare red‑orange skin around eyes; yellow ceres.
- *Sexual dimorphism:* Males slightly larger; otherwise similar.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Range:* Sub‑Saharan Africa – from Senegal east to Ethiopia, south to South Africa.
- *Habitat:* Open savannas, grasslands, semi‑desert scrub, and lightly wooded plains. Avoids dense forest and true deserts.
- *Altitude:* Sea level to ~ 2,500 m (8,200 ft).

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Behaviour & Ecology
Diet & Hunting Technique
- *Primary prey:* Snakes (including venomous adders and cobras), lizards, small mammals, birds, insects (especially locusts), amphibians.
- *Hunting method:*
- *Stance:* Walks briskly (2–3 km/h) with head upright, scanning ground.
- *Kick attack:* Delivers powerful, double‑kicked blows with taloned feet—force enough to break a snake’s spine.
- *Wing shield:* Spreads wings to distract prey and protect legs from bites.

Social Structure
- *Monogamous pairs* often for life.
- *Territorial:* Defend large (up to 50 km²) home ranges.
- *Communication:* Low whistles, croaks, and bill‑clapping displays.

Breeding
- *Season:* Varies (rainy → dry transition).
- *Nest:* Massive platform of sticks, 1.8–2.5 m (6–8 ft) diameter, built on top of acacia or thorny bush.
- *Clutch:* 1–3 white or pale‑blue eggs.
- *Incubation:* 42–46 days (both parents).
- *Chicks:* Semi‑altricial; fledge ~ 65–75 days, remain dependent for several months.

Flight
- Strong, soaring flight with long, broad wings.
- Often performs *“sky‑dance”* courtship display—rising high, then swooping with exaggerated wing beats.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Vulnerable (2023)* – population estimated 10,000–20,000 mature individuals.
- *Threats:*
- *Habitat loss* (conversion to agriculture, overgrazing).
- *Poisoning* (targeted rodent control, pesticide exposure).
- *Road collisions* (high‑speed roads cut territories).
- *Conservation actions:*
- Protected in several national parks (Kruger, Serengeti).
- Anti‑poisoning campaigns and community education.
- Monitoring via satellite tags in South Africa.

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Interesting Facts
- *Kick force:* Can deliver a strike of ~ 195 N (≈ 20 kg force), enough to kill a venomous snake.
- *Long legs:* The longest of any raptor relative to body size—helps it see over tall grass.
- *Symbolism:* National bird of *South Africa*, featured on the coat of arms and on the 50‑rand note.
- *Unique gait:* Walks with a graceful, “striding” motion; rarely runs.

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Quick Reference Table
Feature Detail
Height 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 ft)
Wingspan 2.0–2.5 m (6.5–8 ft)
Weight 2.3–4.3 kg (5–9.5 lb)
Lifespan (wild) 10–15 yr (max 2