Secretarybird
Sagittarius serpentarius
Charakteristics
- Origin
Africa
- Habitat
Open or sparsely vegetated savannah, agricultural areas, semi-deserts
- Diet
Insects, small mammals, lizards, snakes, eggs and chicks, amphibians
- Status
vulnerable
- Size
2 to 3 m
- Weight
approx. 3 kg
- Breeding season
up to 45 days
- Achievable age
up to 30 years
Threat Categories of IUCN


A lethal kick
A powerful, accurate kick to the spine is enough for the secretarybird to kill its prey. Since poisonous snakes also form part of the bird’s diet, it must rely on its skill and speed when executing this manoeuvre.