The secretary bird is a large bird of prey that lives in the open grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It stands up to five feet tall and is the only member of its scientific family. Its long, crane-like legs make it stand out among other African raptors.
This raptor spends most of its time walking on the ground rather than hunting from the sky. It can walk up to twenty miles in a single day while searching for food. It only takes flight when it is in a hurry or needs to reach its nest.
One of its most famous features is the set of long, dark feathers that look like eyelashes. These "lashes" give the bird a majestic look and have made it known as a "supermodel". They frame the bird's orange eyes in a very striking way.
The scientific name for the bird is Sagittarius serpentarius, which translates to the "Archer of Snakes". This name is very fitting because the bird is a legendary hunter of dangerous serpents. It uses a mix of speed and strength to catch prey on the ground.
Why They Are Named Secretary Birds
The common name "secretary bird" comes from its resemblance to male office workers from the 1800s. These secretaries often wore long grey coats and dark, knee-length pants. The bird’s grey plumage and black thigh feathers mimic this old style of clothing perfectly.
People also noticed twenty black feathers sticking out from the back of the bird's head. These crest feathers look like the quill pens that clerks once tucked behind their ears. This unique look makes the bird easy for anyone to identify in the wild.
Those iconic "eyelashes" are not actually made of hair like the ones humans have. They are specialized feathers called rictal bristles that are stiff and rounded. There are more than 200 of these bristles around each eye.
These bristles serve as a natural shield to protect the bird's eyes from dust. As the bird walks, the feathers stop seeds and grass from hitting its eyes. They also protect against scratches from struggling prey like snakes or lizards.
The dark color of the bristles helps block out the intense African sun. This makes them act like a natural pair of sunglasses for the bird. Males with longer lashes are often more successful at finding a mate.
Scientists believe that lash length is a sign of health and fitness in males. During courtship, a male bows to show off the lashes framing his face to a female. If the female is impressed by his appearance, she may choose him as a partner.
Hunting Habits and Fun Facts
These birds are formidable predators that mostly feed on snakes and lizards. They are careful when hunting because they are not immune to venom. To stay safe, they use their large wings as a shield while they fight.
The bird kills its prey by using a powerful kick with 5,000 Newtons of force. This is strong enough to break heavy bones instantly. The strike lasts only 15 milliseconds in contact with the target.
These birds are very romantic and usually stay with one partner for life. They build massive nests in trees that can reach up to eight feet across. Both parents share the work of feeding the young chicks.
Because of their long legs, secretary birds have to crouch down low just to take a drink. This is one of the few times the bird looks a bit awkward. They are quiet birds but can make croaking sounds during mating.
The bird is a very important cultural symbol in many parts of Africa. It is the national symbol of Sudan and appears on the coat of arms for South Africa. Some tribes view them as divine messengers between heaven and earth.
